Falling Softly

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (MEGA UPDATE)

Aaryan's POV

I heard birds chirping, my throat felt dry, and I managed to open my eyes. I wanted to adjust my blanket, but there wasn't one near me. I chuckled as I saw Kavya wrapped in both blankets. Reaching out for the water bottle near the bed, I took a few gulps. I picked up my phone and looked through the messages-there were a few wishing me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

It's funny how, as I get older, the number of birthday messages decreases each year. I replied to a few of them. My phone buzzed, and I picked it up-it was Nishit.

"What's up, birthday boy!" His voice was full of energy. "Wishing you a very, very happy birthday," he said.

"Thank you, thank you," I replied, smiling as I read the messages and wishes.

"So, what are the plans? I'm picking you up. Let's go out," he suggested. It was a kind of ritual-we celebrated each other's birthdays like this every year. We'd go out, then invite more friends for a nice little get-together.

"Yeah, yeah, let's go," I said, feeling excited about the day ahead.

The doorbell rang, taking me by surprise. Who could it be this early? Could it be the landlord? Oh no, I dreaded dealing with him. Gathering my courage, I opened the door to find a delivery boy standing there. I was quite surprised since I hadn't ordered anything.

I checked the name on the parcel and saw Kavya's name. "She must have ordered something," I thought. But then I noticed another guy's name on the parcel. What the... I was even more confused. Anyway, I took the package and closed the door.

I examined the package closely, turning it over in my hands, trying to figure out what was inside. Was this the same guy who called last night? Why is he sending gifts to her now? I shook my head, feeling a bit jealous and smirking at the thought.

As I was looking at the package, I saw Kavya standing at the bedroom door. She yawned big and quickly made her hair into a bun. Her cute skin glowed with the morning light, and her voice was a little different as she had just woken up. She looked suspicious when she saw the package in my hand.

"So, who is this guy sending you gifts?" The words slipped out before I could stop myself. I wasn't about to let some other guy send gifts to my wife. That reminded me I hadn't bought her a gift yet; I made a mental note to do so soon.

Kavya jogged towards me, trying to grab the package, but I quickly hid it behind me. She tried reaching for it but couldn't. After a few minutes, she gave up and said, "Okay, just give it to me."

"It's a gift," She said.

"I know. I just want to find out who this guy is that's sending you gifts. Is it the same person who called you yesterday?" I didn't know what had come over me.

"It's not for me," she replied, and I was a bit surprised, my brows furrowing.

"Happy birthday!" she exclaimed. Whoa! How did she know? Did she hear my conversation earlier? Anyway, I was thrilled she remembered. "Thank you!" I said.

She snatched the package from me and then handed it back more gracefully. I took it with both hands.

"He's a coworker. He has a premium account, so he ordered from his account for faster delivery," she explained.

I felt like an idiot and let out a small laugh. "I'm sorry."

"No, no, it's fine." Her mood seemed to brighten. Why did I feel like she enjoyed me being protective about who sent her gifts?

"So, are you ready?" Kavya asked, turning around quickly. We both sat on the sofa. Before I could say anything, she continued, "First of all, open the package." Her eyes sparkled with excitement, even more than mine. It felt nice to get a gift from her.