ᴍɪʜɪᴛʜᴀ-𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓸𝓫𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷

chapter 45

Nila's first birthday was a day Mihitha had been anticipating with great excitement and a bit of nostalgia. It seemed like just yesterday that she was holding her tiny newborn in her arms, marveling at her delicate features and cherishing every little sound and movement. Now, a whole year had passed, and their baby girl was turning one.

The living room was decorated in soft pastel colors, balloons floating lazily around the room, and a large banner reading “Happy Birthday, Nila!” hung above the dining table, where a cake sat, waiting to be cut. The whole house radiated warmth and joy, filled with the scent of fresh flowers and sweet treats. Friends and family had gathered to celebrate, but for Rudransh and Mihitha, this day wasn’t just about the party it was about Nila and the magical moments they had shared over the past year.

Mihitha stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her earrings, trying to keep a close eye on Nila, who was playing on the carpet with her new toys. Nila's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she touched everything with her chubby little hands, her soft giggles filling the room. Every now and then, she would glance up at her mother and flash a toothy grin, the kind that made Mihitha’s heart swell with love.

“Rudra, can you come here for a second?” Mihitha called out, glancing at the door.

Rudransh appeared in the doorway, looking as sharp as ever in a crisp white shirt. His eyes softened when they landed on Mihitha, but they truly lit up when he saw Nila on the floor. He walked over, kneeling next to their daughter and playfully ruffling her hair. Nila let out an excited squeal, her little hands reaching up for him.

“You’re stealing my spotlight,” Mihitha teased, watching how Nila’s eyes always seemed to follow Rudransh. “I’ve been trying to get her to call me ‘mamma’ for weeks.”

Rudransh laughed softly. “Maybe she’s saving the best for last.”

“Oh, don’t get too confident,” Mihitha replied with a grin, but there was no denying the playful banter they shared, the ease that had come into their lives after Nila’s arrival. Their bond as parents had only deepened, and it reflected in moments like these, where love and laughter were the foundation of their family.

As the afternoon unfolded, friends and family mingled, and the air was filled with lively chatter. Nila was the center of attention, wearing a little birthday dress that made her look like a princess. Rudransh carried her from person to person, accepting their well-wishes, while Mihitha followed, smiling warmly at everyone. But through it all, Mihitha kept glancing at Nila, hoping today might be the day she finally said her first word.

Once the cake was brought out and everyone gathered around, Mihitha knelt beside Nila, who was perched in her high chair, her eyes wide with excitement at the colorful cake before her.

“Ready, Nila?” Mihitha cooed, her eyes sparkling as she leaned closer to her daughter. She pointed at herself and repeated softly, “Mamma. Can you say ‘mamma’?”

Nila looked up at her with big, curious eyes. She opened her mouth, and for a moment, it seemed like she might say something. Everyone around them quieted down, waiting expectantly. Rudransh moved closer, watching the moment with anticipation.

“Mamma,” Mihitha said again, her voice gentle but encouraging.

But instead of the word ‘mamma,’ Nila’s tiny voice broke the silence with an unexpected, “Dadda.”

The room erupted into laughter and cheers, but Mihitha’s heart skipped a beat. She blinked in surprise, her mouth open slightly, while Rudransh, on the other hand, stood there frozen for a moment, his eyes wide with shock. And then, as if the world had given him the greatest gift, a grin slowly spread across his face.

“Did you hear that?” he asked, his voice filled with awe. “She said ‘dadda’!”

Mihitha shook her head, a mixture of exasperation and amusement bubbling up inside her. “I’ve been saying ‘mamma’ for weeks, and she goes with ‘dadda’ on her first try!”

Rudransh laughed, his joy uncontainable, as he leaned down to kiss Nila on the forehead. “I guess she knows who her favorite is,” he teased, his voice full of pride and love.

Despite her playful complaint, Mihitha couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Rudransh so overjoyed. She watched as he lifted Nila into his arms, twirling her gently in the air as the little girl giggled uncontrollably, clearly enjoying the attention. It was a picture-perfect moment, one that filled Mihitha’s heart to the brim with love for both of them.

“I’ll get my ‘mamma’ eventually,” Mihitha muttered, still smiling, as she watched Rudransh place Nila back in her high chair, their little girl looking up at him with nothing but adoration in her bright eyes.

The rest of the birthday party went off without a hitch. The cake was cut, presents were opened, and Nila’s laughter rang out as she played with the wrapping paper more than the gifts themselves. Throughout the day, Mihitha felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the small family they had become. She watched Rudransh and Nila together, how effortlessly they connected, how his once cold and distant heart had melted completely in the presence of their daughter.

As the evening wore on and the guests began to leave, the house quieted down. Mihitha sat on the couch, exhausted but happy, watching Rudransh and Nila play together on the floor one last time before bed.

“I think today was a success,” Mihitha said softly, her eyes never leaving the two of them.

Rudransh looked up at her, his smile warm and tender. “It was perfect,” he agreed, standing up with Nila in his arms. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?”

Mihitha nodded, emotion welling up inside her. “Yes, we have.”

Rudransh carried Nila over to her, sitting down beside her on the couch. Nila was already starting to drift off, her little hand resting on Rudransh’s shoulder as she nestled against him.

“You know,” Rudransh said quietly, “it doesn’t matter what her first word was. You’re everything to her, Mihitha. She knows that.”

Mihitha smiled softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. “I know,” she whispered. “But I still want to hear her say ‘mamma’ one day.”

Rudransh chuckled, his arm wrapping around her. “She will. And when she does, you’ll never forget it.”

The two of them sat there in the fading light, their hearts full, their family complete. Nila’s first birthday had been more than just a celebration of her life it was a celebration of the love that had grown between them all. The road they had traveled had been full of challenges, but now, sitting together with their daughter in their arms, the future felt bright and full of promise.