It was a crisp November morning in Ranchi. The gentle rays of the sun filtered through the trees in the Dhoni family’s lush garden. Birds chirped melodiously, and the air carried a sense of serenity. Sakshi Singh Dhoni, as bubbly and lively as ever, woke up with a wide smile on her face. It was her birthday, and like a child, she was filled with excitement.
Throwing on her comfy sweater, she made her way to the garden where her parents, Pan Singh Dhoni and Devaki Devi, were completing their morning walk. The sound of their casual conversation and the rhythmic crunch of their steps on the gravel path warmed Sakshi’s heart.
“Good morning, Mummy! Good morning, Papa!” Sakshi greeted them cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with joy as she bent down to touch their feet, seeking their blessings.
Pan Singh and Devaki Devi paused, turning to see their ever-cheerful daughter standing before them. Their faces lit up with warmth.
“Good morning, beta!” they said in unison, their voices filled with love.
Devaki Devi pulled Sakshi into a tight hug, placing a kiss on her forehead. “Happy birthday, my dear. May you always remain as happy and kind-hearted as you are today.”
Pan Singh smiled, patting her head affectionately. “Happy birthday, Sakshi. You’ve made us so proud, and we’re blessed to see you shine brighter every year.”
Sakshi grinned, her heart swelling with happiness. “Thank you, Mummy. Thank you, Papa. Your blessings mean everything to me.”
After spending some time chatting with her parents, Sakshi went back inside to freshen up.
As Sakshi walked back into the house, her excitement began to mingle with a hint of suspicion. The house was quiet. Too quiet.
“He was here earlier. Where could he have gone?” Sakshi thought to herself. She glanced around the house, half expecting him to pop out of a corner with a surprise, but there was no sign of him.
Shaking off the thought for now, she focused on the morning routine. Ziva had school, and as always, Sakshi loved getting her ready.
“Good morning, Mumma!” Ziva chirped as she entered the room, her bright smile instantly lighting up Sakshi’s mood.
“Good morning, my little angel!” Sakshi replied, kneeling to hug her daughter.
While brushing her hair, Ziva suddenly pulled out a colorful handmade card she had hidden behind her back. “Happy birthday, Mumma! I made this for you!” she said, her voice brimming with pride.
Sakshi took the card with trembling hands and opened it. Inside, a collage of their most cherished moments was pasted pictures of Ziva’s first steps, family vacations, quiet evenings at home, and celebrations. Alongside the photos was a letter in Ziva’s innocent handwriting:
“Dear Mumma,
You are my best friend and my favorite person in the whole wide world. Thank you for always loving me, playing with me, and teaching me so many things. I want you to be happy always because you are the best Mumma ever! I love you so much. Happy Birthday!
Love, Ziva.”
Tears welled up in Sakshi’s eyes as she read the letter. “Ziva, this is the best gift ever,” she said, pulling her daughter into a tight hug.
“I love you, Mumma,” Ziva whispered.
Pan Singh Dhoni and Devaki Devi, who were sitting at the breakfast table, looked on with smiles.
“That’s our Ziva,” Devaki Devi said, her voice full of affection. “She knows how to make her mumma feel special.”
“She’s just like Sakshi, full of love and joy,” Pan Singh added, nodding approvingly.
