I Found You

39.

"This is so cute." Adhira said, admiring the bracelet Mukti had gifted her. The silver chain had her initial carved on it in cursive.

"I'm glad you like it." Mukti replied with
a smile, noticing Adhira put it on.

"Look," Adhira said softly, extending her wrist towards Vikram. A smile grazed her lips as Vikram gently caressed the skin of her wrist. "It's beautiful."

Vikram and Adhira returned home by evening, while the rest of the family had already arrived in the morning due to their different flight timings.

"It's from Aditi," Vikram said, passing Adhira the large box wrapped in bright yellow gift wrap. "It has to be a frame for sure." He added as she began to unwrap it.

Adhira carefully took out the frame from the box, revealing a collage of photos of herself and Aditi, spanning from their tenth class days to the present.

Each photo from their shared moments, school trips, birthdays, random selfies from college, outings, graduation, and even from their wedding day.

"How sweet," Mukti complimented, gazing over the pictures in the frame.

Adhira felt overwhelmed as the memories flooded back with each picture. Their bond was more beyond friendship, Aditi wasn't just a best friend but more like a soul sister to her. A constant one who had always been on her side.

Vikram watched her silently, understanding the depth of her emotions. She was lucky to have Aditi, a best friend, and to live this feeling. He didn't want to acknowledge this feeling, but a part of him felt a little jealous.

He wished he had someone like that in his life—a friendship that felt like family.

"Look maa." Mukti said, pointing at the particular picture where Adhira and Aditi were in school uniforms, grinning with arms around each other's shoulders.

"You both look so cute here." Saanvika
said looking up at Adhira with a smile.

"Now, open this one." Vikram said handing her the next gift. Adhira looked down and noticed Veer's name on it before her eyes lifted to meet his.

"I hope you like it." Veer whispered, his tone tinged with slight hesitation, as if he were nervous about her reaction.

Adhira pulled at the edges of the wrapper, revealing another frame. As she flipped it over, she couldn't help but let out a gasp in amazement.

Inside was a handmade sketch of her and Vikram, capturing a candid moment from their early days of marriage where they're sharing shy smiles, looking at each other.

"You made it?" Vikram asked his brother, surprise taking over his features. Veer nodded shyly, his gaze shifting between Vikram and Adhira.

"This is incredible," Adhira exclaimed, with genuine appreciation and warmth. She was touched by his thoughtfulness.

"He's so talented." Saanvika said, setting her cup of tea aside to brush her hand on Veer's head warmly.

"Thank you, Veer," Adhira said, meeting his eyes with a heartfelt smile. "This means a lot to us." Vikram nodded in agreement "Yes, this is precious."

"We're going to frame these in our room." Adhira declared with a smile, turning her head to glance at Vikram, who was already gazing at her.

"As you say, baby." He replied, his words causing a faint crimeon to spread across
her cheeks, just as it had numerous times the day.