Echoes of MaAn: Love beyond Separation

||98|| The Love Before the Birthday

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as Anupama slowly stirred awake. She stretched under the cozy blanket and smiled to herself—it was the day before her birthday, and though she didn't expect much fanfare, there was a sense of excitement in the air.

She glanced over at Anuj, still asleep beside her, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. She couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked, even with his tousled hair and slightly crooked sleeping position. The thought of spending another year with him by her side filled her heart with warmth.

Anupama slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and headed to the kitchen. She decided to make breakfast for the family, humming a soft tune as she got the ingredients ready. The aroma of fresh coffee, sizzling vegetables, and warm chapatis began to fill the house.

Just as she was about to pour the batter onto the tawa, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind.

"Good morning, beautiful," Anuj whispered into her ear, his voice low and teasing.

Anupama smiled, blushing as she felt his breath on her neck. "Good morning, Mr. Kapadia. What are you doing up so early?"

Anuj leaned in closer, resting his chin on her shoulder and gently kissing her cheek. "I could ask you the same thing. It's your birthday tomorrow, you should be resting and letting us spoil you. But instead, you're here cooking for everyone, as always."

Anupama chuckled, "You know me. I love cooking for the people I love. And anyway, I want to enjoy the day. Tomorrow, I'll let you all pamper me."

Anuj spun her around to face him, still holding her close. His dark eyes twinkled mischievously. "Hmm... how about I start pampering you right now?" He lifted her chin gently with his fingers, his gaze soft but filled with a playful intensity.

"Anuj!" she protested half-heartedly, but her smile gave her away. "The breakfast is going to burn!"

He shrugged, still holding her waist and pulling her closer. "Let it. We can always make more. But moments like this..." He leaned in and placed another kiss on her cheek, trailing down toward her jaw. "These moments are rare, and I don't want to miss them."

Anupama felt her heart flutter as she leaned into him, her hands resting on his chest. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Anuj grinned, his lips brushing lightly against her forehead before placing another soft kiss. "Only for you."

For a moment, the kitchen seemed to fade away, and it was just the two of them, wrapped in each other's presence. The world outside didn't matter. Anupama closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of Anuj's arms around her, the warmth of his love surrounding her. She could hear his heartbeat, steady and calm, a comforting rhythm in the stillness of the morning.

But just as they were getting lost in the intimacy of the moment, a loud giggle broke through the air.

"Mumma! Papa!"

Anuj and Anupama both turned their heads just in time to see Sushma, Anupama's mother, and Meera, Anuj's mother, standing at the entrance of the kitchen with little Aadhymaan squirming in Sushma's arms, clearly very excited to be a part of the morning.

"Oops! Looks like we walked in on something!" Meera teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Anupama blushed furiously and pulled away from Anuj, though his arms stayed loosely wrapped around her. "Maa! Mumma!" she exclaimed, still smiling, a little flustered by being caught.

Sushma grinned as she bounced Aadhymaan on her hip. "Looks like we interrupted some romantic time. Sorry, beta, but this little one was too eager to see his Mumma and Papa!"

Aadhymaan giggled again, reaching his chubby arms toward Anupama. "Mumma! Mumma!"

Anupama laughed, gently taking Aadhymaan into her arms and kissing his soft cheek. "Oh, my little prince! Come here." She hugged him close, feeling his small hands patting her shoulder, his baby scent filling her with love and joy.

Meera winked at Anuj. "You know, Anuj, you should be happy we came in now and not later. Imagine if the whole family had walked in!"

Anuj smirked, clearly unfazed by the teasing. "Well, Mum, it's my wife's birthday tomorrow. If I want to steal a few romantic moments, I'm entitled."

Sushma and Meera both laughed, while Anupama playfully swatted at Anuj's arm. "Stop it! You're going to give our mothers a heart attack with your flirting."

"Oh, please," Sushma chimed in, grinning. "If anything, we're happy to see you both so in love. After all these years, it's refreshing to see such romance. Right, Meera?"

Meera nodded. "Exactly! You two set the bar for all of us. If only your fathers were as romantic as Anuj is with you, Anupama."

Anupama chuckled, feeling her cheeks grow warm again, but her heart swelled with gratitude. Despite the playful teasing, it was moments like these that reminded her just how lucky she was to have such a loving and supportive family.

"Alright, alright, enough teasing," Anupama said, trying to change the subject. "Since you're both here, how about you help me finish making breakfast? This little rascal can keep Anuj busy."

Sushma handed Aadhymaan back to Anuj with a grin. "That sounds fair. Anuj, take your boy. And you, Anupama, tell us what you need help with."

Anuj lifted Aadhymaan high in the air, making him squeal with joy. "Looks like it's just you and me, buddy! Let the ladies handle the kitchen while we go... plan something special for Mumma, huh?"

Anupama raised an eyebrow, trying to hide her curiosity. "Plan something? What are you two up to?"

Anuj gave her a wink. "Oh, nothing. Just some secret daddy-son business."

Aadhymaan, unaware of what was going on, just babbled happily in response.

"Sure, sure," Anupama said, her smile wide. "But no mischief, okay? I don't want to be cleaning up after you two!"

Anuj pretended to look offended. "When have I ever caused trouble?" he asked, dramatically placing a hand over his heart.

Meera snorted. "Don't even start, Anuj. We've got years of stories to tell if you do!"

The kitchen erupted in laughter, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Anupama looked around at the family she had built with Anuj, her heart filled with love. It was the day before her birthday, but she already felt like she had received the best gift of all—a life surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who mattered most.

As Anuj and Aadhymaan left the kitchen, probably off to "plan" their next secret surprise, Anupama turned her attention back to breakfast, content and excited for whatever the next day might bring.

Little did she know, the entire family was preparing for the most outrageous and heartfelt birthday surprise she could ever imagine.