Passion & Dilemma

46. Birthday

Prerna's POV

"Happy birthday, beta." Maa wished me and I bent down to touch her feet and take her blessings.

"Thank you, Maa." I smiled and sat in my chair to have the breakfast.

Sarthak sat beside me quietly. I could feel his eyes following my every movement but I did not acknowledge his presence. I have not looked at him since last night.

"So what are you plans for today? Going somewhere?" Dadi asked, wiggling her eyebrows at me and then at Sarthak.

Through my periphery, I saw Sarthak shifting a little before her began to speak.

"Uhm, actually she does have-"

"I don't have any plans." I spoke, not letting him speak something that will not happen now. I wore a small smile. "I want to spend the day at home, with family."

Everyone nodded to my decision and Dadi flickered her confused eyes at Sarthak before nodding too.

"But it's Prerna's first birthday in this house. Something special should definitely be done." Dadi suggested, making my stomach churn.

I was no more excited for my birthday. I just wanted to get in the bed, sleep and wake up after my birthday is over.

Maa nodded at the suggestion and looked at me before saying. "Let's organize a dinner in the evening.

I immediately shook my head. "There's no need for that, Maa."

"How can you say there's no need?" Swati cut in, "When we celebrated Naina Bhabhi's first birthday in this house, we all went on a day trip. Now, since you don't want to go out, let's celebrate at home."

"Definitely."

"But, Maa-"

"Don't refuse, beta." Badi-maa said gently and everyone looked at me, making me nod reluctantly.

"Okay."

"We shall invite Jayesh ji and Divya ji as well." Papa suggested, making me drop the spoon.

The poha I ate rose to my throat before I composed myself. The mere idea of having my parents around me made me feel nauseous.

"They are out of city." I said immediately, my voice was a little louder than it should have been.

They looked at me surprised but did not point out my loud voice. "Oh, It would've been nice if they were here."

I resisted the urge to sneer and nodded. After the discussion and ignoring Sarthak throughout the breakfast, we, the younger ones, went to the private movie theatre.

Sarthak did not join us. And I did not mind it one bit.

Shobhit jija ji ordered pizza for all of us but he did not join us either. On my birthdays, I used to eat pizza alone and watch a movie. But today, I have a whole family with me.

I always wanted a family where I could feel content. Where, if I was not happy, at least I wasn't sad either. But I never expected that my wish would actually come true. And I am so grateful for whatever I have now.

Naina and I sat side by side. I leaned my head on her shoulder as she munched onto the popcorns and fed me too.

Sarthak yelled at me because of work stress. Could it be possible thatNaina knows what happened in the office yesterday? After all Shobhit jija ji shared everything with her.

Should I ask her?

"What are you thinking?" She asked before I could say anything.

"Uh, did something happen in the office yesterday?" I asked directly, not beating around the bush.