"If I Was There" ✔️

Bonus 1:- Birthday

The house was decorated beautifully, every corner shimmering with colors of joy. Manjari walked around, her eyes scanning every detail, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

"Bhai Saab, make sure everything is perfect. Today is our princess's first birthday-we can't afford a single mistake!" she called out, her voice filled with excitement as she admired the warm, festive decorations. The staff nodded quickly, reassured by her energy.

"Manjari, don't worry. Everything looks wonderful, and our little Ruhi is going to love it," Harsh said with a soft smile.

Manjari huffed, pretending to be annoyed, but Harsh's amused chuckle filled the air.

Meanwhile, in Neil and Aarohi's room, Neil stood holding up Ruhi's tiny birthday dress, a dramatic frown etched across his face.

"Are you serious, Chipkali? You actually want our daughter to wear this? It's too heavy-she'll be so uncomfortable!" he complained, his tone exaggerated as he pouted at the outfit.

Aarohi shot him a glare. "You're the one who picked this dress, Neil. Don't start whining now."

Caught, Neil only pouted harder, looking every bit like a sulking child himself.

"Neil, you get ready. I'll make Ruhi ready-everyone must be waiting for her," Aarohi said, reaching for the little dress.

But before she could move, Neil slipped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into a back hug. He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

"You take forever to get ready, Chipkali. You should start now. I'll get my unicorn ready," he murmured, kissing her cheek again.

Aarohi turned her head slightly, raising a brow at him. "Are you saying I take a lot of time to get ready?"

Neil gave an innocent shrug. "Well... yes. Ruhi and I are ready in fifteen minutes, and you-thirty minutes, minimum. Just imagine!"

Aarohi swatted his hand with a glare, though her lips twitched as if hiding a smile. Neil only chuckled, placing another feather-light kiss at her neck, making her roll her eyes at his antics.

"Mum... Ma..." came a tiny, soft voice from the crib.

Both their hearts melted instantly. Aarohi's face lit up with warmth as she turned, scooping her one-year-old daughter into her arms. Ruhi nestled against her, giggling, while Neil leaned closer, his eyes filled with nothing but love for his little family.

"This is cheating, Princess. You always call Mumma and forget Papa," Neil sulked dramatically, folding his arms.

Ruhi blinked at him with her big, wide eyes, her tiny lips parting. "Pa... pa..." she babbled sweetly, waving her little hands toward him from Aarohi's arms.

Neil's sulk melted instantly. His face lit up as he quickly pulled her into his embrace, hugging her close. "That's my girl," he whispered, kissing her soft hair.

"You get ready, I'll make her ready," Neil said determinedly, picking up Ruhi's birthday dress. Without giving Aarohi a chance to argue, he strode out of the room with his daughter in his arms. Aarohi could only smile softly at the retreating figures, warmth filling her chest.

A little while later, she came downstairs, dressed elegantly, only to find everyone waiting impatiently.

"Maa, where's Neil?" Aarohi asked, looking around.

Manjari raised a brow. "That's what I'd like to know, Aarohi."

"Bacha, where's Ruhi?" Kairav added, confused.

Aarohi shook her head, just as Kairav's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then quickly excused himself before anyone could notice.

Neil: Kairav, come to the room immediately.

Frowning, Kairav slipped away and pushed open the door-only to find Neil pacing nervously, his face pale.

"What happened?" Kairav asked.

Neil pointed helplessly at the bed. "Ruhi fell asleep. On her birthday! Aarohi's going to kill me, Kairav!"

Kairav's eyes fell on the little birthday girl, the star of the day, sleeping soundly with soft snores, completely oblivious to the chaos she had just caused.

The door creaked open, and both Neil and Kairav froze. Aarohi stood there with her arms crossed, her sharp glare pinned on Neil.

"I told you not to play with her the whole night, and now look at her!" Aarohi scolded, her voice stern.

Neil rubbed the back of his neck, giving her a sheepish grin, while Kairav struggled to hold back a chuckle.

"Wake her up, Neil!" Aarohi ordered.

Neil quickly scooped Ruhi into his arms and gently shook her. "Princess... come on, wake up, na," he coaxed softly. But Ruhi was in no mood-snuggled up, refusing to open her eyes.

Aarohi sighed, exasperated, and after watching for fifteen minutes, she finally took Ruhi into her arms. Her voice softened instantly. "Bacha, wake up," she murmured, brushing a hand over her daughter's hair.

This time, Ruhi stirred, blinking sleepily as her eyes fluttered open. Neil and Kairav stared at the sight, wide-eyed.

"She absolutely loves Aarohi more," Kairav teased, smirking.

Aarohi shot Neil a victorious look. Neil pouted at Ruhi, whispering under his breath, "You're a cheater, Princess..."

The room burst into chuckles, and with Ruhi now awake, the little family finally headed downstairs, ready for the celebration to begin.

Ruhi looked like a little doll in her blue formal dress, her tiny shoes tapping excitedly against the floor as she clung to Aarohi's hand. Beside her, Neil stood tall in a navy-blue three-piece suit, his charm effortlessly making heads turn.

Aarohi, matching him perfectly, wore a navy-blue outfit that enhanced her natural elegance-every bit as radiant as a queen standing with her king and their little princess. Together, they looked breathtaking-a picture-perfect family, glowing with love and pride.

As they entered the hall, all eyes naturally drifted toward them. Whispers of admiration filled the room, but Neil's gaze never left his girls. To him, no one else mattered.

The celebration unfolded grandly, the house echoing with laughter and joy. Everyone gathered around, showering Ruhi with blessings and gifts-tiny toys that made her giggle, delicate silver keepsakes, and shining pieces of gold, each symbolizing the family's love for their little princess.

Neil and Aarohi stood by her side, their hearts swelling as their daughter basked in all the affection. For them, this wasn't just Ruhi's birthday-it was a moment of togetherness, of love, of family.

When the cake was brought out, Ruhi clapped her tiny hands, eyes sparkling at the bright candles. Neil and Aarohi helped her cut it, their hands guiding hers as everyone clapped and cheered.

Neil bent down first, pressing a soft kiss to Ruhi's forehead. Then, with the same tenderness, he leaned over and kissed Aarohi's forehead too.

"My princess," he whispered to Ruhi, and then, glancing at Aarohi with a smile, added, "And my queen."

Aarohi's eyes softened as she held their daughter close, the three of them framed in the glow of the candles and the love of their family. It was a moment etched forever in their hearts.

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Thank you 😊