Echoes of MaAn: Love beyond Separation

||99|| Midnight Surprise

The house was filled with a comforting silence as the night deepened. Anupama, feeling the weight of the day and the excitement of her upcoming birthday, yawned widely as she finished tidying up the last remnants of dinner. The children were tucked into bed, and everyone had retreated to their rooms after a long day filled with laughter and chatter.

As Anupama climbed into bed, she could hear the soft rustle of the night breeze against the window. She smiled, thinking about the surprises that awaited her the next day. But right now, sleep called to her, and she eagerly answered, letting her eyes flutter shut.

Meanwhile, Anuj had been waiting for the perfect moment to surprise her. He quietly tiptoed to their bedroom, checking that Aadhymaan was sound asleep in his crib. As he looked at Anupama, her peaceful face illuminated by the soft moonlight, he felt his heart swell with love.

When the clock struck midnight, Anuj decided it was time to wake his wife in the most romantic way possible. He gently shook her shoulder, whispering, "Anupama, wake up, my love."

Anupama stirred, blinking sleepily as she looked up at him. "What is it, Anuj?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Shh, don't speak. Just trust me," he said, a playful smile spreading across his face. "I have a surprise for you."

"Right now?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes.

"Right now. Get up and come with me," he said softly, extending his hand to her.

Curiosity piqued, Anupama took his hand and followed him out of their room. They tiptoed down the hall, trying not to wake anyone else, until Anuj led her to the staircase that spiraled up to the terrace. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, and Anupama gasped at the beauty of the starlit sky.

"Anuj, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, taking a moment to appreciate the serene view.

"Just wait. It gets better," he replied, pulling her closer to him.

Anuj led her to the center of the terrace, which was lit with fairy lights strung overhead, creating a magical ambiance. Soft music began to play from a small speaker he had set up earlier, and as the familiar tune floated through the air, Anupama recognized it instantly.

"Zindagi Tere Naam" played softly, and Anuj stepped back, looking deeply into her eyes. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

Anupama nodded, her heart racing as he took her in his arms. They began to sway gently to the music, their bodies moving together as if they were the only two souls in the world. Anuj's eyes sparkled with affection as he held her close, and Anupama felt a rush of warmth envelop her.

"Akhiyon se haye meri door na jana,
Dil se ve haye mere door na jana ke."

She melted into his embrace, her heart swelling with love. It felt like a dream to be dancing with him under the stars, away from the chaos of life.

"Tu hi zamana mera,
Duniya thikana mera."

The world faded away as they lost themselves in each other's gaze, the music wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

"Tu subha har shaam ki,
Maine Zindagi tere naam ki."

Anupama felt alive in Anuj's arms. He spun her gently, and they laughed, their joy echoing into the night.

"Maine zindagi tere naam ki."

As they danced, the lyrics spoke to her heart. Each word resonated, reflecting their journey together, all the moments they had shared, and the love that had only grown stronger with time.

"Haaye, tujhse na boli hai jo,
Baat labon pe thi wo."

Anuj leaned closer, brushing his lips against her ear. "I love you, Anupama. More than words can express."

"Aaj wo sareaam ki maine
Zindagi tere naam ki."

Anupama smiled brightly, feeling cherished and adored. They continued to dance, swaying back and forth as the music played on.

"Sargam sargam teri aankhein,
Paas bulaye door se haye."

With each note, Anuj twirled her again, his laughter mingling with hers, creating a symphony of happiness that filled the night air.

"Marham marham mere dil pe,
Ishq sajaye paas bulaye."

They moved seamlessly, their hearts beating in sync. Anuj was lost in her eyes, feeling a deep connection that went beyond words.

"Tere dil me bhi,
Dhadak rahi hai."

Anupama placed her hand over his heart, feeling the steady rhythm beneath her palm, matching her own racing heart.

"Dhadkane mere naam ki,
Maine zindagi tere naam ki."

The music swelled, and for a moment, they stood still, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in the magic of the night.

Anuj leaned down, capturing her lips in a sweet kiss, sealing their love under the stars. Anupama melted against him, her heart soaring as they shared a moment that felt eternal.

"Maine zindagi tere naam ki."

As the song began to wind down, Anuj pulled away slightly, looking into her eyes. "Happy birthday, Anupama," he whispered, his voice filled with love and warmth.

Anupama's eyes glistened with tears of joy. "You've already made it the best birthday ever."

"Wait, there's more," he said, stepping back to reveal a small cake hidden behind a decorative plant. "I thought we could have a little celebration, just the two of us."

Anupama gasped, her heart fluttering with excitement. "You did all this for me?"

Anuj smiled, "Of course. You deserve to be celebrated, my love."

He carefully cut a slice of the cake, handing it to her. "Make a wish before you blow out the candle."

Anupama closed her eyes tightly, focusing on her wish. She blew out the candle with a soft puff, and Anuj clapped, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Happy birthday, Anupama!" he cheered, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Thank you, Anuj," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "This is the most beautiful surprise."

They shared the cake, laughing and reminiscing about their journey together. The soft glow of the fairy lights and the starlit sky above created a perfect backdrop for a night filled with love and romance.

As they finished their cake, Anuj took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Let's make more memories together, just like this."

Anupama nodded, feeling grateful for the love they shared. "Always, Anuj. You and I, forever."

And under the vast expanse of stars, with the night wrapped around them, Anuj and Anupama continued to dance, their hearts beating as one, savoring the magic of their love and the promise of many more beautiful moments to come.

Actually found the song on twitter, someone had made a vm but I forgot to save it cause loved the song plus my two favorite people were there in it, then after few days that same vm came on my YouTube shorts feed. And luckily saved it.
So here it is the link..

https://youtube.com/shorts/WbulRAwSBHs?si=JQfZa_QCjN6ECPVL