PATHS OF HEART

28

Anika's second birthday dawned with a soft, golden light filtering through the curtains of her room. The house was still quiet, everyone resting after preparing for the little girl's big day. Anuj had been up early, quietly slipping out of bed to get the final touches done on Anika's surprise. He had spent the early hours blowing up balloons, setting up decorations, and arranging her favorite toys in the living room.

He couldn't wait to see the look on her face when she saw the magical birthday surprise. But for now, there was one more important thing to do: bringing their little birthday girl to her mother and their unborn baby, for the first cuddle of the day.

Anuj entered Anika's room, where she was just beginning to stir in her bed. Her small face scrunched up as she stretched her arms out, her eyes still half-closed from sleep. Anuj's heart swelled at the sight of her. His little girl, already turning two—it felt like only yesterday when they had held her as a newborn in their arms, marveling at her tiny fingers and toes.

"Good morning, birthday girl!" Anuj whispered as he bent down and scooped Anika up in his arms. Her little hands immediately wrapped around his neck as she yawned, her eyes slowly blinking open.

"Papa?" she mumbled, her voice sleepy but filled with excitement.

"Yes, my princess. It's your special day! Happy birthday!" Anuj kissed her cheek, and she giggled, her head nestling into his shoulder.

"Birfday!" she exclaimed softly, as if just realizing it was her big day.

Anuj grinned as he carried her toward his and Anupama's bedroom. "Come on, let's go wake up Mama and the baby."

Anika perked up at the mention of her mother and the baby. "Mama! Baby!" she chirped, her energy already starting to return.

They entered the bedroom, where Anupama lay in bed, her hands resting gently on her slightly rounded belly. She was already awake, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the peaceful morning. As soon as she heard the door creak open, she smiled softly, knowing her two favorite people were about to join her.

Anuj gently set Anika down on the bed, and she immediately scrambled over to Anupama's side, throwing her tiny arms around her mother's belly. "Mama! Baby!"

Anupama chuckled, her heart brimming with love as she opened her eyes and looked at her daughter. "Good morning, my sweet birthday girl," she said, her voice full of warmth as she kissed Anika's forehead.

"Mama, baby say happy birfday?" Anika asked, her wide eyes staring at her mother's belly, waiting for a response.

Anupama laughed softly. "Well, I think the baby is saying it in their own way," she said, gently rubbing her belly. "But they definitely know it's their big sister's special day."

Anuj sat down on the bed beside them, wrapping one arm around Anupama and resting his other hand on her belly, where their unborn child was growing. "I'm sure the baby is thinking about cake already," he teased, leaning in to kiss Anupama's cheek. "Isn't that right, baby? You can't wait to join us for cake and presents, can you?"

Anika giggled, patting Anupama's belly gently. "Baby come out soon!"

"Soon, sweetie," Anupama assured her, smiling as she gazed at her daughter. "But for now, it's your birthday. You get all the attention today."

Anika, beaming from the warmth and love surrounding her, wiggled her way in between her parents, snuggling close to both of them. Anuj, Anupama, and Anika lay there in a comfortable embrace, the family of three (soon to be four) sharing a moment of togetherness that was filled with love.

As they lay there, Anuj couldn't resist talking to the baby again. He leaned down closer to Anupama's belly, speaking softly, his voice filled with affection. "You hear that, little one? Your big sister is so excited to meet you. But today is her big day, so you're going to have to wait a little longer."