ωαητ τσ Βε Μιne ? - For Forever

33. First Birthday

Don't forget to leave your thoughts about this chapter in the comments below. Until then, stay happy and see you all soon next Sunday with a new chapter of our shared favorite book,

The next chapter of Want to Be Mine? - For Forever. will be released next Sunday.

🌸✨💖

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The soft rays of the early morning sun filtered through the delicate curtains of Aashvi's room, casting a golden glow. The world outside was still waking up, but Aashvi had already risen, her heart stirring with emotions too vast to contain. Today was special. Aarush, her little boy, was celebrating his first birthday, and she had planned a pooja at the temple-a serene beginning to mark the day.

She stepped into the bathroom, letting the cold water wash away her lingering sleepiness. The rhythmic sound of water droplets accompanied her thoughts. After a long shower, she chose an elegant, pastel-colored anarkali dress adorned with delicate embroidery. It was a gift from her mother, Manvika, for her godbharai, and wearing it today felt significant, like a reminder of all the blessings she had received.

As she tied her dupatta, she glanced at Aarush, still peacefully asleep in his crib. His tiny fists were curled, his chest rising and falling in gentle rhythm. She smiled, the sight of him a balm to her heart. Quietly, she walked over, kissed his forehead, and whispered,

"Happy birthday, my jaan."

The clock struck 6 a.m., and the house remained blanketed in a serene silence, broken only by the faint chirping of birds outside the window. Aashvi moved with purpose, her mind focused on the preparations for the day. The temple visit for Aarush's first birthday pooja was a momentous occasion, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

She meticulously selected Aarush's tiny kurta-pajama, a pristine white outfit adorned with intricate golden embroidery, a gift from her father, Chirag. Smiling fondly, she folded it neatly and set it aside. With careful precision, she began packing his essentials-diapers, a milk bottle, a soft blanket to shield him from the morning chill, and a few of his favorite toys to keep him entertained. Each item she packed reflected her love and attention, ensuring her baby boy would have everything he needed for the special day.

As she zipped up the bag, her thoughts drifted to Vraj. Instinctively, she reached for her phone and dialed his number. The call didn't connect. She frowned and tried again, only to be met with the same result. Disappointment settled over her heart like a heavy fog. Hoping for some reassurance, she sent him a message on WhatsApp:

"Aarush ka birthday hai, aur hum mandir ja rahe hain. Tum kahan ho? Miss you."

But as the single grey tick appeared, her disappointment deepened.

She missed him. Not just today, but every day. Vraj had been her pillar when her world was crumbling. From the time of her baby shower to the challenging moments during Aarush's birth, he had been there, steadfast and unwavering. He had held her hand when she felt like giving up, his quiet strength guiding her through the darkest nights. And now, when she felt whole again, when the scars of her past were fading, his absence today felt like a gaping void.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away.

"No,"

she whispered to herself.

"Not today. Aarush deserves all my happiness today."

With renewed determination, she handed Aarush's bag to Isha, her sister-in-law, who had just woken up and was helping with the preparations.