𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆'𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉: "ᴡhᥱrᥱ shᥲdoᥕs ᴇmbrᥲᥴᥱ ʜᥱᥲrts"

1. Cindrella

At 6:30 PM, Aryan Oberoi's eyes twinkled with nostalgia as he gazed at the family photos adorning the walls.

"She's turning 18," he announced, a faint smile spreading across his face.

Nisha Oberoi's expression turned wistful.

"Time flies. It feels like yesterday our golden little bird entered our lives," she said, her voice tinged with emotion.

Her eyes misted, memories of Aeni's childhood flooding her mind.

Aryan's brow furrowed, concern etching his features.

"Are all preparations done? I don't want any hiccups on my princess's special day. Ensure everything unfolds according to her wishes."

Nisha reassured him with a gentle smile.

"Everything's perfectly arranged, just as our princess desired."

Aryan, lost in thought, hummed softly before asking, "By the way, where is she?"

Nisha rose from her seat, exchanging a knowing glance with Aryan.

"She's getting ready for her birthday party. I was just about to check on her."

Aryan nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Make sure she's comfortable. Today's her day."

As Nisha exited the room, Aryan's gaze lingered on Aeni's childhood photos, a mix of nostalgia and joy swirling within.

Aeni's slender fingers struggled to fasten the delicate sandal, her light blue Cinderella gown weighing heavily on her petite frame.

Her mother's gentle warning, "Wait Aeni, or you'll fall!" halted her efforts.

A radiant smile spread across Aeni's face as she met Nisha's concerned gaze.

But irritation quickly replaced her joy, and she pouted.

"Mumma, look! This stupid gown is too much irritating. I can't even wear my sandals!" Aeni exclaimed, dramatic flair coloring her tone.

Nisha's chuckles filled the room, warm and soothing.

Aeni's eyes narrowed. "Here I'm having too much trouble, and you're laughing at me?"

Nisha's mirth faded, replaced by teasing affection. "You wanted the fairytale Cinderella gown, na? Toh jhelo ab (Now, bear it)."

Aeni's pout deepened.

Just then, Ila emerged from the bathroom, her gaze drawn to the struggling duo.

"Wait, let me help, Aeni," Ila offered, her voice melodious.

Aeni's relief was palpable. "Yeah, please Ila, I'm in too much trouble."

Ila knelt gracefully, securing Aeni's sandals while Nisha adjusted the gown.

"Thank you so much," Aeni said, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Nisha and Ila exchanged warm smiles, nodding in unison.

Aeni's confidence wavered as she asked, "Ummm...h-how do I look?"

Nisha and Ila exchanged a fleeting glance, their hesitation fueling Aeni's insecurity.

Her face paled, fresh tears welling up in her eyes like morning dew.

"I-I don't look good, do I? I knew it. I look like crap! Huh?" she stuttered, hiccupping.

Silent sobs racked her delicate frame, shaking her very foundation.

Nisha and Ila's faces mirrored alarm, realizing their playful mistake had backfired.

"Heyy baby, no! We were just kidding...Shshshs....stop crying baccha. Please," Nisha cooed, enveloping Aeni in a warm, reassuring hug.