Fasaana

THIRTEEN

Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine,
I'll shine for you.

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The next few days were also very busy for Zoya, and because of that she wasn't able to give any of her contribution to Sehrish's birthday. Aarti knew that this was making Zoya sad. She even talked to Zoya about it, to make her understand that it was okay, but it didn't do much to make Zoya feel better. She felt like she didn't have enough time to give to her daughter. There was also some part of her that was feeling guilty. Was she not a good mother? She couldn't even plan her daughter's birthday. These thoughts in her head had become a constant.

On the day of the birthday, Zoya took an off from the college and spent the entire day with her baby. Even though Sehrish couldn't understand most of it, Zoya still told her how her birth gave a new life to her as well. How she was the reason for her strength.

Zoya also promised Sehrish that she'd never let her compromise in anything in her life. Her baby would live the life of her dreams and she would make sure of that.

In the afternoon, Zoya put Sehrish down for a nap so that she would get enough rest before the party. Then she helped Aarti to decorate the living room. Since the cake was unicorn themed, Aarti had gotten all the decoration stuff in similar colors. The balloons were pastel pink and violet. The happy birthday banner was golden to cut the color palette. The couch was moved to one side to create more space. A table covered with pink net frills was put near the wall. The cake got delivered, and along with it there were a few cupcakes and cookies as well, all in unicorn theme.

"Do you like everything?" Aarti asked Zoya.

"It is beautiful. Thanks, Aarti." Zoya had tears in her eyes. She was feeling guilty, but was grateful to Aarti and Rohit as well for making her child's birthday memorable.

After Sehrish woke up, Zoya took her for a bath. Aarti had taken Sehrish birthday shopping a few days ago. Zoya couldn’t accompany them because she was stuck in college. Later Aarti had told her that Sehrish picked her outfit herself. It was a frock, that was white on the top and had blush pink net frills in the bottom. And there was 'One' written on the white with pink glitter. Aarti had also gotten a matching headband for her.

After Sehrish was ready, Rohit took her to the balcony to click her pictures, while Zoya got dressed herself. She wore a brown full-length dress. It was also a gift from Aarti. She had given it to her a few months ago, on her birthday. Zoya was not used to celebrating her birthday because Rizwan never bothered. So when Rohit and Aarti surprised her with a cake and gift, it was really emotional for her. They even wanted to throw her a party, but Zoya refused. For her, partying meant spending time with your loved ones. So they all cooked food together and had a happy meal.

Rohit asked Zoya to pose with Sehrish for a few pictures. Then Aarti, Avni and Malti also joined and their moments were captured in the camera.

The guests started arriving after 6. Sehrish was the star of the day and everyone gave her the attention she deserved. A lot of gifts came as well. When it was time to cut the cake, Zoya held Sehrish's hand, but before cutting, Zoya called Aarti to join them.

"It is your right as well." Zoya told her and all three of them cut the cake together. Zoya took a piece, fed Sehrish first, then Aarti and Rohit. Avni was too little to have solid food.

Then Malti helped Zoya to distribute the cake among all the guests. The kids played with the toys while the elders engaged themselves in small talks. For dinner, Rohit had thought of hiring a caterer, but Malti assured them that she could manage the cooking. So the menu was decided by Aarti which included paneer tikka and stuffed mushrooms for starter; chicken kadai, butter paneer, tandoori roti, and jeera rice for main course, and gulab jamun for dessert. Rohit was really impressed with Malti and mentally noted to give her a raise.

The dinner was served around 8, after which the guests started to leave.

"It was a very nice party." Zoya said, as they all were wrapping up the mess. The toys were all over the room, the gift wrappers were also thrown around carelessly, there were dirty plates and bowls on the dining table.

Aarti smiled.

"I think we should give Sehrish her gift now." Rohit suggested.

"What gift? You guys have already done so much for her." Zoya said, but Aarti had already gone to her room to get the gift. She came back and handed it over to Sehrish, who looked damn sleepy.

Rohit tore off the gift wrapper and showed the gift to Sehrish. It was a double sided board, with white board on one side and black board on the other. There was a marker and a few colorful chalks with it as well.

"That's so creative." Zoya exclaimed. "Sehru, kiss you khala and khalu to say thank you."

Sehrish giggled seeing the gift and pressed a small kiss on Aarti and Rohit’s cheek.

It didn't take much long for Sehrish to fall asleep. After half tidying the hall, the elders decided to call it a night as well, leaving the rest for tomorrow. They were tired as well.

Before going to bed, Zoya pulled out a pair of silver anklets that she had bought for Sehrish a day ago. The birthday girl was sleeping, but Zoya still made her wear it.

This was the first piece of jewelry her daughter owned. She couldn’t afford gold at the moment, so silver would have to do till the turn for gold comes.

She kissed her forehead one last time. "Happy birthday once again, princess." Saying that, she left the nursery.

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If you haven't noticed till now, yes, I love mushrooms. I put it in every food I can, and I use it in every food scene  I write. So you don't have a choice but to deal with it.

I can't believe our little girl is a year old now!

It is her birthday. I deserve the most number of votes and comments on this chapter. Do it for our princess.

Also, got another exam today. Pray for me.