This week began like a damp poem — with everyone walking into the office soaked from head to toe thanks to the surprise Monday monsoon. The energy was low, socks were wet, and spirits needed CPR, until our very own chai hero Ankit arrived with hot cups of tea that felt like therapy in a kulhad. Just as laptops opened and Figma tabs hesitated, Ranjini dropped the week’s biggest news bomb: “This Friday, dinner is hosted by Jiko Sir for his birthday!” And boom — the entire office lit up like someone turned the brightness slider to max. Excitement levels skyrocketed, lunch breaks turned into secret planning sessions, and Kajal almost slipped the surprise twice (but recovered each time like a true content queen).

While the buzz brewed, the work didn’t slow — branding madness for the SRIAS site was in full swing, the R.one corporate deck was going through more revisions than a Bollywood script, and Aavishkaar’s conference prep had everyone bouncing between serious slides and mild stress. Friday finally walked in wearing a party hat — Charu, Bhumika, and Kajal turned into balloon-blowing machines, laughing every time one popped (which was often), while Ranjini and team were seen whispering gift lists, coordinating food, and adding a dash of adult celebration essentials. And then… the moment arrived. Jiko entered the office to a sudden hush and immediately shouted, “Yeahh! Mera birthday surprise, woaaah!” like the main character that he is. Cue confetti energy.

Shiv Sir — Jiko’s oldest buddy — joined in, adding emotional OG vibes, while Venkat Sir surprised everyone with a brilliantly quirky cake (which may or may not have looked like Jiko’s creative brain in 3D). Cake was cut, senti speeches were made, and just when the sugar rush peaked — Venkat Sir popped up on WhatsApp video, making everyone misty-eyed. The office transformed into a party zone: people danced (some rhythmically, some bravely), sang badly but loudly, and dropped spontaneous shayaris that may have made Mirza Ghalib roll in his grave — with joy, of course. And just like that, the week came to an end — full of rain, designs, decks, dhol, and a lot of dosti.

As for next week? Who knows what chaos will come. But Sambha will be watching — like always — from the wall, with chai in one hand and gossip in the other.