Part 12 | Birthday Surprise

KARTIK

I woke up feeling a tickling sensation on my face. Naira laid beside me, her head resting on my chest. My fingers traced her face as I slowly moved the few stands of hair that was randomly spread across. Not wanting to wake her up, I simply fixed my gaze on her.

She was indeed a beautiful sight to wake up to.

She stirred and opened her eyes. Her eyes went wide, hurried to get off the bed but I held her wrist and pulled her back to the bed.

" Where are you running ? " I caressed her cheeks.

" I... You had a nightmare yesterday... So I came in to help you. I didn't mean to intrude into your privacy.... It's just that I couldn't leave you in that state." She said looking down.

I freaking hate my nightmares. It's has been haunting me for the past 2 years. Days I have a nightmare, It usually leaves me sleepless all night.

But surprisingly yesterday was different.

It wouldn't be a lie to say I had the best sleep in the past two years last night. With her in my arms, I was able to sleep peacefully. I don't know why but When I hold her, It felt like a relief.

" Were you worried for me? " I gently lifted her face sliding my fingers under her cheeks.

" I was. " She replied after a thought.

" Why? " I asked in a husky voice.

" B-because I care for you. " Her instant reply made me smile. Knowing she cares for me, made me feel contented.

Pecking her cheeks has now become my favourite tease move. I love the way her cheeks reddens and she bits her inner cheeks unconsciously as a shy smile plays on her lips that she tries to hid quickly.

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" Is everything ready, she will be here Anytime!! " Aditi yelled as she peeped out of the window, checking if Naira had reached home.

" You haven't revealed her anything right loudspeaker? " Dhruv asked his little sister.

" Don't forget last time it was you who broke the suspense early, not me! " She rolled her eyes.

" I hope she likes the cake ? " Arjun said as he placed the cake on the table.

" She loves black forest ! " Me and aditi spoke in unison.

" Not bad Kartik! You do know your wife's favourites.... " she appreciated with a giggle.

Today is Naira's Birthday and her friends are super excited unlike her. I thought she will be excited for her Birthday, but I guess that's not how it is.

How does one even forget their very own birthday....

" Doesn't she get excited for her birthday? She behaves like this is just an other day. " Arjun asked.

Dhruv and Aditi exchange glances before Dhruv muttered silently, " Not after her parents death. Their death anniversary falls on the very next day, that is tomorrow. "

Sudden silence filled the room, I feel sorry for whatever she had faced. I don't know what had happened years ago, how her parents died and how she overcome the pain. I have no clue how she would have felt back then or how bad the scar still hurts?

She has never spoken about her past or pain. I don't know if she will ever open up to me.

But I wish she does.... Someday!

" They are here! " Mom squealed excited.

Naira turned on the lights and the party poppers bursted as a shower of glitters and sparkling crape paper bits covered her.

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAIRA!!" Yelling wish filled the room.

I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

" Happy Birthday my Beautiful Wife" I wished but she just kept staring at me.

" Naira... " I poked her elbow. I gave her an ' are you okay ' look to which she responded with a quick nod and a small smile.

Soon people surrounded her wishing and embracing her. Naira likes simple elegant decor and so we decided to keep it that way. The entire House was decorated with crystal lights. A huge happy birthday in bubble letters was hung in the center of living room surrounded by a ballon arch.

We made her cut the cake and she fed me the first piece. I repeated her actions and fed her. Then one by one she fed everyone their share.

Aditi and Dhruv gave her a huge gift I have no clue what it contained, followed by Arjun who gave her a pair of sneakers. Rudra managed to surprise her with a present of an autographed poster of her favourite basketball player.

" The home of hope, aunty's dream will no longer face any threat Naira... " Dhruv said smiling as he handed over a legal document to her. All the property and rights written in her name in the will is legally in her hands from henceforth. Naira nodded happily as she hugged him.

" So Time to party..... " Arjun yelled as he brought cold drinks for everyone.

" Music on!!! Let's shake a leg for the Birthday girl " Rudra said enthusiastically.

Soon the living room was dimmed and ball lights flashed. Arjun, Aditi and Dhruv joined him as they danced on some famous peppy songs. Naira smiled at them and encouraged them with claps.

" Shall we ? " I forwarded my hands.

She looked at me and nodded with a smile as she placed her hands on mine. We stepped on the dance floor and the slow changed into a slow melodious beat. We swayed hand in hand, our synchronised steps gentle and soft as we drew circles on the floor. She leaned closer on me, a soft sigh escaped her mouth as if she liked my warmth. We landed cheek to cheek as I twirled her. Her eyes met mine and for a fraction of second, it felt like we were transported to some other world.

The claps broke our thoughts. She became conscious and moved back.

Why should it end this quick?

We had an early dinner after which we all settled on the outdoor seating space where we spent the rest of the night playing fun games, talking and laughing.

" We have a gift for both of you " mom and dad said as they handed over a envelope to Naira.

She gave me a confused look and told me to open the envelope. It contained 2 tickets to Switzerland. My eyes widened as I realised what all these was for.

" You both are going to Switzerland for Honey moon !! " Mom grinned at us. Naira's face paled out.

" But what's the need for this now! We can go l-later also.... I am busy with the resort pro " mom interrupted me.

" Kartik you are working from the time you both got married.... It's been more than 45 days now. It's time you shut your work and focus on spending time with your wife. " mom argued.

I looked at Naira who was still in the shock.

" Your mom's right son! After all the construction has started and there is no much work for you in that. Moreover me and Arjun are here to take care of the project in your absence. " Dad supported.

You too dad!

" Exactly! " Arjun gave me a stupid grin while I glared at him.

Before I could come up with some or the other excuse,

" Every couple do spend time with each other after marriage. You both are young love and this is the time to live your love! So get ready to leave in a week.... No ifs and buts, it's final. " Mom said with a finality in her words leaving no chance of argument.

It was 11 at night when everyone left, tired yet with a joyous heart.

I spotted her sitting near the pool, her legs dipped into the water.

" Ice-cream ?" I forwarded her a glass bowl that had butterscotch ice cream.

She smiled and took the bowl. I sat beside her and placed my legs inside the cold waters.

She ate one spoon but upon seeing my bowl she panicked.

" Don't worry. It's only for me, There is no almond toppings in your bowl. I know you are allergic to almonds. " she looked at me surprised.

" How come? I don't remember saying you "

" I noticed Every morning when you have a handful of nuts but you never include almonds in them. I came to know you are allergic to it. "

" Oh! "

I do notice Naira, everything about you.

" Did you enjoy today? " I asked her as I digged my spoon into the ice cream to take a scoop.

" It's the first time after mom and dad's death that I enjoyed celebrating my birthday. " She said looking at the waters.

Turning towards me she smiled, " Thank you kartik but all this wasn't necessary. " She said.

" Why not? You are a part of the family and that's what families do right. To celebrate each other. " I replied and she stared at me like I said something she wasn't expecting.

I don't want her to say she doesn't have a family. She does have a family.

She may have lost her parents but She has me.

" It's Our family Naira. They are yours as much as mine. Me, Mom and dad, Rudy and our friends - Arjun , Aditi and Dhruv.... We are your family and I want you to accept and acknowledge this. "

I cupped her cheeks and wiped off the lone tear that slipped her eyes.

" Promise? "

I intertwined my little finger with hers, " Promise. "

" Then will you tell me the truth If I ask something about my family? " I nodded.

" About the women in the portrait I found in your room. " She whispered and my body went stiff.

" Who's Nisha? " Her soft eyes pleading to know the truth I was hiding from her.

Let her know Kartik! She wouldn't judge you.

" My twin sister! " My voice came out in a empty tone.

And I revealed her the story I had been hiding from her, from all, something I wanted to forget, something I am guilty for.

**********

Cliffhanger!

He has a twin!! And he has a story!!

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