Ahana looked at Neil who smiled at her. He then lowered his eyes on the book indicating her to continue ahead. She gave him a nod before turning to the next page Which held Photos of Her and Ansh. The photos varied From Ansh's childhood till 4 years of age.
Again as before there was a note Attached to the photos which stated " Happy birthday Mummaaaaaaa. you are the best mumma in the world. love you mumma !"
Ahana smiled as she turned to the next page where there were pictures of her with Naira. Ahana ran her hands over the pictures before pulling the note which stated " Happy Birthday Mumma. After ssooooo many years I also get to celebrate mumma's birthday. I am soo happy Yeahhhhh. Mumma we will Get princess cake. Because you are a princess na"
Ahana laughed at their cuteness and turned to the next page. By the handwriting of each note, Ahana could tell that Neil had written them but the words were from the kids and her parents only.
The next page was filled with few pictures of her and Aryan. She smiled seeing pictures from before marriage. Memories of how distant Aryan was in the beginning and how he slowly opened up came in her mind. The picture of her engagement, made her remember the time when he called her Mumma for the first time. It all dwelled her heart.
Ahana pulled out Aryan's note which stated "Happy Birthday Mumma!!! Thank you for coming into my life. Aarti mumma and you are both are best. I always thought you will be mean like other stepmoms, But you only love and care for me. I love you Mumma and I am happy Papa married you and you came in my life. Happy Birthday Mummaaaa"
Ahana:( In tears by now as she looked at Neil)" Neil these messages and memories are the best thing one could relive on their birthday. Thank you"
Neil:(Wiping her tears)"Shone there is alot more left and you are already thanking me. Common let's read ahead"
Ahana nodded as they both turned through few more pages with the same pattern. This time it was pictures and messages of different family members. One page held Angali and Rahul. Another had Sid and Preeti. Another had Rohan and Shruti. And the next one had Sameer and Ryan. Everyone talked about their meeting with Ahana and how their bond has developed within these 10 months. All their message touched Ahana's heart. She then turned to the next page. Now only 4 pages were left.
The next page held pictures of Neil and Ahana's wedding and prewedding function. From engagement to Mehendi to sangeet to the big day. Some photos were pictures Ahana hadn't even seen before but they looked magical. Seeing pictures like this who would say that Ahana and Neil didn't see each other as their other half around this time.
Ahana:"Neil these photos."
Neil:"Sid clicked them. I also didn't know about these until now. He said he held them for special occasions like these. Who knows he might have some more we don't know about yet but whatever it is, these pictures turned out amazing"
Ahana:"Yeah I mean in these pictures we look like we are so in love when at that time we didn't even think anywhere close to things like that"
Ahana said as she pulled out the note to read. It stated "Life is really unpredictable. few days before our first meeting, I was literally living as a dead person. Doing my duties as a robot would. Just getting out few laughs here and there with my kids. Sometimes I feel thankful that I had Naira and Aryan with me at that time. Without them I would have no reason to live. At that time in life, my only motive was to make sure Aryan and Naira grow up safe and strong. They have a good future. After Aarti left, it felt like my life was over. But then you came in my life. And our journey started. The journey that began with a deal for our Kids."
Ahana looked at Neil who gave her a smile as she turned to the next page which held pictures of Ahana and Neil after marriage but still the early stage. Ahana pulled the chit in this one and began to read it.
The note stated " The journey that started with a deal soon turned into A friendship as We both began to trust each other. Though we both know it took time to get to that point. You remember our first fight before marriage. How I yelled at you. And you, You were the first person who had made the Neil Malhotra quite. I think that was the day I started trusting you with the kids because that day in your voice, in your words I could feel the love you have for Aryan and Naira. Our friendship started with The family member's honeymoon prank on us. You know what I find truly amazing? The fact that you were the first girl to wanted to know about my past in order to create our future. Usually people want a person to forget their past for their future but u. U were different. U are different Ahana. And That's what makes you a beautiful person."
By Now Ahana had tears in her eyes. She turned to the next page which held multiple other pictures of Ahana and Neil. Some pictures were even from this trip like when they went bungee jumping.
Ahana pulled out the notes in this and started to read it. " Because of you and your selfless love towards me, I started to melt. I started falling in love with you. And soon our journey took the next phase which is of love. In these 10 months I have learned alot and I have grown alot as a person. It's all because of you Ahana. Thank you for coming in my life Ahana. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for loving me. Happy Birthday Shona. I love you alot and I only hope that we get to celebrate All your birthdays like this. Together and so in love. Once Again Happy Birthday sweetheart"
Ahana:"oh Neil. This is so sweet"( She said as she felt his arms slip around her waist and his head rest on her shoulder)
Neil:"one more page shona"( He whispered in a husky voice while Ahana flipped the page)
The last page was a big collage of Ahana with everyone and in the middle was a family photo of Ahana and the other family members. There was one more note on this page which stated that " This journey has not ended yet. You have much more to live and experience. You have multiple more memories to make. And throughout this rest of the journey, we will always be with you. Supporting and loving you no matter what. A very Happy Birthday Ahana from all of us"
Ahana closed the book and kept it aside as she turned towards Neil and took his lips into hers, Taking him into a passionate kiss. Neil at first was taken back but soon recovered and started to reciprocate the action. When she broke the kiss, she hugged him tightly making Neil fall back on the comforter with her on top. Ahana's face was hidden in the collar of his shirt while his one hand rested on the back of her head while another on her waist. They stayed in just position for few moments before Ahana started to speak.
Ahana:"Th...(Her voice cracked a little as she sobbed)" Thank you Neil this is really special "
Neil:(Frowning)"Shona? Are you crying?(He tried to pull her back but she just held onto him tightly) " Baby let me see na"
Ahana pulled back as Neil sat up again holding Ahana in his lap. He wiped her tears and nodded no as she rested her head on his chest.
Ahana:"Neil this birthday and this gift has fulfilled everything for my birthdays which I didn't celebrate. Even though This is simple and sweet. It is still very special. More special then any Birthday party or other stuff. Thank you so much for today"
Neil:"As you know shona I would love to sit here all day but we kinda forgot about our pizza and coke due to this gift so why not devour it as soon as possible or it might feel bad"( He joked causing Ahana to giggle)
Neil and Ahana headed to the living room where they had a small kitchen attached to it. Neil kept the coke in the Fridge while Ahana kept the pizza in the microwave to warm up.
Neil:"I'll set the plates and all you go and turn on a movie for us"
Ahana:" Movie? Alright"( Ahana settled down on the sofa and started to scroll through the channels. Soon after sometime, Neil joined her with the pizza and they eat as they cuddled and watched the movie.)
After few hours, It was around 6:20 when Neil's phone rang. His eyes fluttered open. He looked around and saw Ahana asleep in his arms. They were still in the living room. Infact the movie channels was still on and some Hollywood movie was playing with low volume. Their position was as such in which Neil was laying on the sofa with Ahana laying on top of him. He was brought out of his thoughts with another ring of his phone. He picked up his phone and saw Rohan's calling.
Neil:( Picking up the call and whispering)"Hello?"
Rohan:"Why are you whispering? And where are you Neil?"
Neil:"In the hotel room bhai."
Rohan:"It's already 6:30 Neil. Bring Ahana to the spot we planned. And don't tell her anything. Be there in 10 min"
Neil:"Yes sir"( He said teasingly at the ordering tone of Rohan)
Neil cut the call and looked at the time. 6:23 PM. He turned off the tv and Looked down at Ahana who was still asleep.
Neil:(Tugging her hair stand behind her ears)"Shona get up we have some place to go. Shona"( He called out softly as he rubbed his thumb on her cheeks. Ahana's eyes fluttered open as she looked around and then at Neil. She gave him a soft smile snuggling into his chest as Neil kissed her forehead)" Shona get up. We have to go. Common get up fast"
Ahana:( Getting up as they both sit up while Ahana still rubbed her eyes with her hands)" go where?"
Neil:"You will see. Now go wash your face. I'll clean this up"
Ahana nodded as they both did their duties before Leaving the hotel room. Neil held Ahana's Hands as he took her to some room in the hotel which she had no clue about. As they reached, Neil opened the door for Ahana indicating her to enter in.
As Ahana walked in. She Saw the room was pitch black. She turned to look for Neil only to see him missing as well. She frowned in confusion just then the lights flickered on and loud thud sounds came as confetti started to fall on her. She turned to see her family standing there smiling brightly at her as they sang Happy Birthday to you.
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So guys I hope you enjoyed it.
Plz do vote and comment.
Will update next part soon.
Precap:" A small celebration with the family members with games and more"
Translations:
Mumma/ Maa - Mom
Mummiji - Mother in law
Papa - dad
Beta - kid
Taiji - Dad's big brother's wife
Tauji - Dad's big brother
Chacha -Dad's younger brother
Chachi - Dad's younger Brother's wife
Bhabhi - Big brother's wife
Dadi - grandma
Dadu - grandpa
Ji - a word which shows respect towards the other person.
Bhaiya - Brother
Rasam - Ritual
Jaan/ Shona - An endearment which mean my life or my love.
Mami -Â mother's brother's wife
Jiji - Sister
Bua - Father's Sister
Dadi bua -Â Father's bua