𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

Bonus Chapter 2

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BONUS CHAPTER — Aradhya's First Birthday

Amie

The house smelled like vanilla cake and roses.

I stood in the living room, watching Mahir climb up on a chair, his brows knit in concentration as he taped a HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARADHYA banner onto the wall.

"Mahir, a little left," I guided.

He shifted it right instead.

"No, left!"

"Amie, your left or mine?"

I laughed. "The universal left!"

He groaned but fixed it, stepping down proudly. "Perfect, right?"

I eyed it.

Crooked.

But his smile was so excited my heart softened instantly.

"It's perfect," I whispered.

Aradhya sat on the floor with her elephant toy, wearing a yellow frock and a tiny hairband that kept slipping off. Her giggles filled the room as she babbled something, her tiny hands clapping.

One year.

One whole year.

My baby girl.

My eyes stung with tears, and Mahir noticed immediately.

"Don't cry," he whispered, brushing my cheek. "It's her special day."

"I know," I said, leaning into his touch. "I just can't believe she's one."

Mahir wrapped his arm around my waist. "And we survived a whole year."

"We did," I said, smiling while he caressed my cheek gently. We were lost in our moment when Aradhya crawled towards us.

Mahir lifted Aradhya and kissed her cheek. "Happy birthday, princess."

She squealed, tugging his hair with her tiny fingers.

"Ow—ow! Amie, help—"

I laughed as I gently freed him.

"She's strong," Mahir said dramatically. "Just like her mother."

I rolled my eyes but kissed him anyway.

── .✦

By afternoon, the house was full.

Amna arrived first, carrying balloons bigger than her.
"I'm the best aunty, okay?" she announced.

"Self-appointed," Anurag muttered, rolling his eyes as he followed with gifts stacked to his chin.

"Aradhya will love me more," Amna declared confidently.

"She already loves me," Anurag shot back.

I sighed. "Guys, it's her birthday, not a competition—"

But before I could finish, Aradhya extended her chubby arms toward—

...Anurag.

Amna gasped like she'd been stabbed.
"What betrayal is this!?" she cried dramatically.

Anurag lifted Aradhya with a smug grin. "Skill. She recognizes excellence."

Mahir whispered to me, "Should we separate them?"

"No, let them fight," I whispered. "It's entertainment."

—

Mahir's mom and my mom were on the floor with Aradhya, completely losing themselves to her giggles.