Surprise Birthday- Unforgetable Birthday night

Just a day away from 21!

1st November 2024 – Night before my birthday

Tomorrow, I turn 21. The big two-one—the age when people say you've got it all figured out, when you've found your path and are ready to take on the world. But, truth be told, my story feels a little different.

I've been incredibly lucky; my parents have showered me with everything I could ever want, and maybe even more. Being the eldest, I'm definitely the most pampered! Living away from home in a hostel hasn't changed that one bit. My parents miss me a lot and, perhaps to make up for the distance, they keep sending me things so I never feel lonely or left out. It's to the point that sometimes my siblings joke, "Hiba Aapi gets everything she wants!" My closet's full of abayas, watches, and bags, Alhumdulillah. But deep down, I know I've yet to truly repay my parents for all they've done.

So here we are, the evening of November 1st, and I can't help but feel a tiny spark of anticipation. Maybe my friends are planning a surprise? But who knows! It's one of those 'cat dreaming of butter' moments, as they say. Still, it's Friday, so I decide to clean up a bit—fresh bedsheets, tidy plates, the works. Maghrib comes, and I take a quick shower to freshen up. My siblings had already "warned" me to wear something nice, hinting that my friends might surprise me. They kept teasing, saying, "Dress up, just in case!"

As I get ready, I realize they might be right—it's almost as if wearing new clothes makes it clear that I'm expecting something special, like I'm dropping a hint. But, really, it's hard not to. I even noticed my friend Aleeza tidying her own space a bit too meticulously, and suddenly, it all feels... suspicious. My heart starts racing, but I try to keep my cool on the outside.

Inside, though, I'm jumping with excitement!