"From Rivals to Forever: A Journey of Love"

Chapter 44

Kabir's Perspective

As I left for the exam center, I couldn't help but think of Aditi. She had called me last night, just as I was finishing my final review. "You've got this," she had said in her confident voice. And somehow, those words had stuck with me. She had a way of making me feel like I could conquer anything.

The exam itself was challenging but manageable. As I went through the questions, I felt a sense of clarity, my mind sharp and focused. I could almost hear Aditi's voice in my head, teasing me, pushing me to do my best. Each time I hesitated, I reminded myself of the countless hours I had put into this, the times I had pushed through even when I was tired, frustrated, or unsure. By the time the exam was over, I walked out of the center with a smile on my face. I felt confident—not overconfident, but sure that I had given it everything I had.

As I headed home, I couldn't help but smile. I had done it. The biggest exam of my life was behind me, and now all I had to do was wait. But for now, it was time to celebrate. I imagined Mom would be waiting for me with something sweet, maybe even some homemade mithai.

When I opened the door to my house, I was greeted by the sight of my younger brother, Arjun, standing in the hallway, holding an aarti ki thali with an exaggerated serious expression on his face. The moment I saw him, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Arjun! What's this?" I chuckled, ruffling his hair as he tried to balance the thali.

"Mumma and Taiji told me to welcome you like a prince," Arjun said, trying to keep a straight face. "You've conquered your exam kingdom today, Bhaiya."

I grinned, shaking my head at his antics. "Where are Mom and Chachi?"

He rolled his eyes dramatically. "They're getting ready."

"Getting ready? For what?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Before Arjun could answer, I heard the sound of footsteps. My mom emerged from her room, dressed in a beautiful saree, her face glowing with happiness. Right behind her was my Chachi, looking equally radiant in a traditional outfit. I raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Ma, Chachi, what's going on?" I asked, folding my arms.

Mom rushed over to me, wrapping me in a tight hug. "First, tell me, how was your exam? Are you tense?"

I shook my head, feeling the tension evaporate under her warmth. "No, Ma. I gave my best. Now the exam ki bala tali."

She smiled proudly and stepped back, letting Chachi step forward. Before I could say anything, Chachi stuffed a piece of mithai in my mouth, grinning.

"Good boy!" she said, patting my cheek. "Now you should take some rest. We're going out for a bit."

"Going out?" I asked, confused. "Where are the three of you going, all dressed up like this?"

Chachi exchanged a look with Mom, and they both giggled. "You'll know soon enough," she said cryptically.

"Rest first, Kabir," Mom added. "Otherwise, if we tell you, you won't resist coming with us."

I groaned, frustration bubbling up. "Ugh, where are you going? Just tell me already!"

Arjun, who had been watching the entire exchange with growing excitement, finally piped up, unable to contain himself any longer. "Bhaiya, we're going to Aditi Didi's birthday party! We're already late, and I want to meet Anaya—she'll look like a fairy today, na?"

My heart skipped a beat. Aditi's birthday. How could I forget? I felt a pang of guilt. She had baked brownies for me on my birthday, even when our board exams were in full swing. How could I forget something this important?