2. Birthday

2.8K 82 35
                                        

As I stepped inside the house, an eerie silence wrapped around me

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.


As I stepped inside the house, an eerie silence wrapped around me. It was pitch black. My breath hitched.

I froze.

I hate darkness.
Not just because it’s dark—because of the memories it brings with it.

And then—
"Nandu!"

The lights flickered on.

"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear Nandu..."

A chorus of familiar voices filled the room, and just like that, the suffocating fear shattered.

Everyone was smiling. Clapping. Singing.

I stood still for a second, completely disoriented. Then the tears began falling, soft and silent.

“Bhai…”

I ran straight into my brother’s arms and hugged him like my life depended on it—because in so many ways, it does.

He wrapped me tight, guilt heavy in his voice.
"Baccha... Maaf kar de, please. I'm so sorry..."

“Sorry?” I pulled back, wiping my cheeks, switching to fake outrage.
“Sorry kya? Aapke is gande prank ke wajah se, mera birthday nahi… mera death day ban jaata aaj!”

Everyone gasped in mock shock as I sobbed dramatically. Dadu gave my head a light smack.

“Nandu! Never say such things again,” he scolded softly, pulling me into a warm side hug.
“Nothing in this world can harm you—not while we’re alive.”

If only that were true.

If only they knew how much darkness I hide behind my smile.

Still, I gave Dadu a soft smile and nodded, brushing those thoughts away for now.
Because this—this chaos, these people—they’re my whole world.

My brothers, my Dadu… I don’t even have words for what they mean to me.
And Dad… well, we’re distant. Complicated. But I love him more than I let on.

“Nandu beta, everything okay? Did you get hurt or anything?” SK, my phupa ji asked gently, his brows furrowed with concern.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I shook my head and gave him a tiny smile.

He ruffled my hair with that signature fondness.

(Yes, I call him SK because of his obsession with SRK and, well… his initials. Ignore the R. Just SK things.)

“Okay, chalo guys! Let’s cut the cake. Small celebration for now,” Bhai announced.
“But Nandu, get ready by 7. Dad’s throwing a full party tonight.”

I nodded, stepping toward the cake, but paused.
“Wait, Bhai! Call Vishu first.”

I was missing my monkey.

Her Only SaviourWhere stories live. Discover now