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The hall is a complete blue wonderland with sapphire balloons, azure streamers, and navy tablecloths covered in silver stars. A big blue cake decorated with butterflies and a shiny number 6 on top is placed on the table. Little blue party hats sprinkled with glitter are ready on the chairs. The place is buzzing with the happy laughter of kids, while soft blue fairy lights add a magical glow to the whole scene.
Adwait raps on the door, and as soon as he hears the go-ahead, he flings it open. His eyes land on the little figure in front of the mirror, and for a moment, he feels like the world is spinning. She's dressed in a shimmering blue frock, with loose curls framing her chubby cheeks and a neat blue ribbon tied at the back of her hair. The look is finished with white sandals.
His little fairy.
"Papa!" Adya spots Adwait's reflection in the mirror and races toward him. "Papa, lo-ok!" she squeals and then twirls her frock. It flutters and dances in sync with her spins.
Adwait sinks to his knees. Gently cupping her little face in his hands, he presses a tender kiss to her forehead. "So beautiful. Happy Birthday, my little heart."
"Th-ank you, Papa," Adya beams. "Look, Mama and I—same sa-me!" She giggles, pointing to Nitya who's been silently admiring the sweet moment with a tender smile.
Adwait takes a sharp breath, visibly rattled. She's draped in a sky-blue saree, in a matching hairstyle as of Adya's. His heart is pounding wildly in his chest. Unable to bear it, he turns away and rubs a hand over his chest to calm his racing heartbeat.
"Papa, Mama is s-o pre-tty—so pre-tty," Adya remarks.
"Indeed," Adwait murmurs, almost to himself, as he slowly moves towards her who looks down, feeling super shy.
Cupping her cheeks, he places a soft kiss to her forehead.
They continue to gaze at each other until Adya's enthusiastic clapping shatters the moment. Nitya tries to push him away, but he doesn't move. "We're having a conversation right after this birthday is over." She gives a slight nod. "Don't let yourself get distracted by anything else tonight. We're sorting everything out today, and I am dead serious."
"Alright." Nitya nods, her nerves already a tangled mess listening his dead-serious tone.
"Let's go. The guests are here," he scoops Adya into his arms and intertwines his fingers with Nitya's.
They're halfway through the journey when Arushi and Virat show up.
"Happy birthday, cupcake!" Virat beams, throwing his arms wide open. Adya leaps from Adwait's arms and wraps herself around Virat in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Adya." Arushi kisses her forehead gently. "This dress looks absolutely perfect on you. I'm so relieved it fit just right." She sighs pleased that her design for Adya's birthday gift turned out so beautifully.
