Layers of Us

Chapter 83: Birthday!🎂

The hallway was dim and quiet, painted in the pale blue of early dawn. Outside Siya's door stood Tripura, her mom, Bhoomi, Ireen, and Merwin - a little squad of joy, each holding something: balloons, a bouquet, a cupcake, or simply smiles.

Tripura turned to them and whispered with hushed excitement,
"All ready?"

All heads nodded eagerly.

She grinned and slowly pushed open the door with the softest creak.

Inside, the room was still wrapped in silence. Siya was curled up on the bed, snoring faintly, one hand tucked beneath her cheek.
On either side of her, Ruffy and Candy, now awake, wagged their tails gently, as if sensing what was about to happen.

Everyone tiptoed in and formed a semi-circle around the bed.

Tripura glanced at her wristwatch- 7:07 AM.

She gave the signal with a playful nod.
And in perfect, whispery harmony, they began-

🎶
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday, little Siya...
Happy birthday to youuu...
🎶

Siya's eyelids fluttered open slowly, her little face glowing with a sleepy smile. The first thing she saw was Tripura's face, who was already seated beside her, arms open.

She gathered Siya into her arms lovingly, covering her face in soft kisses, whispering,
"Happy birthday, kutty..."

Siya nestled closer into her mother's crook, half-asleep but smiling.
"Thank you, amma..." she murmured, kissing Tripura back on the cheek.

One by one, everyone stepped forward, showering her with warm birthday wishes, soft kisses, and tight hugs.
Balloons bobbed around her bed, and a tiny bouquet placed beside her pillow.

Siya, now sitting up, took it all in- eyes wide with love, arms open with gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you!" she squealed, hugging each one tightly.

And then-
Ruffy and Candy jumped up onto the bed, nudging her with their snouts and licking her cheeks, their tails wagging like happy little drums.

Siya giggled and squealed louder, wrapping her tiny arms around both of them.
"Aaaahhh Ruffy, Candy! Thankyoiiuuu!"

Tripura watched her daughter surrounded by love and laughter, a warm smile playing on her lips, heart full.

-----------

Siya, still caught in the warmth of sleepy joy, suddenly stretched out her arms toward Tripura - her silent, sleepy gesture unmistakable.
"Amma..."

Without missing a beat, Tripura leaned forward and scooped her up, settling her baby girl lovingly on her lap.

Siya nestled against her instantly, as if that spot on her chest was the safest haven in the world. Her tiny arms wrapped tightly around Tripura's frame, her cheek resting over her heart.

Tripura's one hand running slowly along Siya's back, the other cradling her head, massaging her hair with the gentleness only a mother can offer.

Then came the words - soft, sleepy, and honest from Siya's little lips:
"Amma... this is the best birthday morning ever.
Because I have you with me here."

Tripura's heart clenched.
Her throat tightened with emotion she didn't want to show- because yes, this was the first time since Siya's fourth birthday that she was physically present for her little girl's big day.
Every year after that, it had been hurried calls, time zone gaps, or a blurry screen filled with "Happy Birthday, baby" and guilt - ridden tears on her end.