Yuvaan descended the stairs, expecting the usual quiet morning—but stopped dead in his tracks.
The entire mansion shimmered in color. Streamers swayed gently from the ceiling, balloons bobbed like happy little orbs, and a banner hung above the living room: "Happy Birthday, Yuvaan!"
His chest tightened. The emotions he had buried for years—pain, loneliness, yearning—surged like a tidal wave. Memories of past birthdays flashed unbidden: the empty halls, his mother's absence, Bhoomi's mental instability, the fake smiles of Susheela and her conspiracies that turned Vinod, Aakash, and Riddhi against him. A single cupcake from young Angad… a laugh shared in stolen moments… and then silence again.
Now, standing before him, the family and Kiara, faces alight with joy, were singing "Happy Birthday".
Yuvaan's voice caught in his throat. "I… I forgot it was my birthday," he whispered, tears threatening to spill.
Vinod stepped forward, clearing his throat. "You didn't forget. Back then… we weren't in the right state to celebrate you properly. But now…"
Aakash and Riddhi shuffled forward sheepishly. "We're sorry for always teasing you on your birthday."
Angad, wide-eyed and beaming, jumped up and down. "Brother! Now we get to celebrate together, all of us, thanks to sister-in-law Kiara!"
Yuvaan's eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, the danger looming over them all felt distant. He could breathe, could laugh. Could live.
Kiara stepped forward, her hand brushing his arm. "For this birthday," she said gently, "we won't just celebrate your 25th… we'll celebrate your tenth. A day for laughter, for mischief, for joy."
The family cheered. In seconds, colorful party cones appeared on everyone's heads—Vinod, Bhoomi, Aakash, Riddhi, Angad, even the maids and staff. Yuvaan's lips twitched into a small, incredulous smile.
Kiara nudged him playfully. "Come on, birthday boy. Today, magic isn't needed to make the world bright—you already have all of us."
And in that moment, surrounded by laughter, balloons, and the warmth of family, Yuvaan felt something he hadn't in years: home.
The morning sun filtered softly through the Pratap Singh mansion, casting warm rays over the decorations. The air smelled faintly of vanilla, confetti, and something sweeter—hope.
The Celebration Begins
The family gathered around the living area, now transformed into a bright, childish carnival. Cartoon cutouts, paper boats, little colored flags—Kiara had outdone herself.
Yuvaan stood there, still slightly dazed, still trying to believe this was real.
Angad tugged his sleeve.
"Bhai! You sit here. Birthday boys get royal chairs."
He pulled him toward a cushioned, overly decorated chair with a big "Reserved for Prince Yuvaan" sign.
Yuvaan actually laughed—a full, genuine laugh that lit up his entire face.
Kiara watched from a small distance, her heart warming at the sight.
This… this is the man I am fighting for, she thought.
She approached him with the crown-like party cone in her hand.
"Bend."
He blinked. "Why?"
"So your queen can crown you."
He bent instantly, and she placed the cone neatly on his head. The slightest brush of her fingers against his hair sent a shiver down his spine.
He looked up.
"With this crown, am I supposed to follow royal orders?"
Kiara smirked. "Absolutely. Starting with cake."
---
Cake-Smearing Chaos
Bhoomi brought out a giant chocolate cake layered with strawberries—something she used to make for him as a child, back before her illness. Tears welled in her eyes as she set it down.
"Happy birthday, my son," she whispered.
Yuvaan's throat clenched.
Kiara clapped. "Come on, cut it, Yuvaan!"
He held Kiara's hand for a moment before cutting the cake, letting the comfort of her touch steady him.
The moment the knife sliced through the icing, Angad immediately dipped a finger into the cream and smeared it across Yuvaan's cheek.
"Birthday rule number one," Angad laughed, "the birthday boy must be attacked!"
Aakash and Riddhi followed, smearing more cream onto him.
Yuvaan sputtered—but he was laughing, eyes sparkling.
Kiara stepped forward with mock seriousness, scooping a tiny bit of cream.
"Hold still. Queen's privilege."
Before he could protest, she gently dabbed a soft smudge across his nose.
He froze.
Kiara froze.
For a heartbeat, the room fell away…
…only their breath, their nearness, the soft warmth of the moment remained.
Bhoomi cleared her throat loudly.
Instantly, Kiara stepped back, cheeks burning.
---
Childhood Games Return
The family moved to the backyard where Kiara had arranged old-school games—
• musical chairs
• sack races
• blindfold tag
• pin-the-tail
Vinod tied the blindfold around Yuvaan's eyes.
"No magic allowed," Vinod warned sternly.
"Fine," Yuvaan groaned. "But if I bump into a tree, it's on you."
Kiara's laugh echoed in the yard.
During the sack race, Kiara tripped over her gown and almost fell, but Yuvaan caught her by the waist—
his hands warm, steady, lingering just a second longer than necessary.
Their eyes met.
Heat flared.
The world slowed.
Kiara quickly pulled back, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Thanks…"
Yuvaan smiled softly. "Always."
---
A Quiet Moment Amid the Laughter
Later, while the family ran around chasing balloons, Kiara found Yuvaan leaning against the railing of the terrace, looking out at the sky—his face peaceful, but shadowed.
"Hey," she said gently, stepping beside him.
"You okay?"
He nodded. "Better than okay."
A beat.
"It's been so long since I felt… celebrated."
Kiara's fingers slid into his—slowly, deliberately.
"You deserve happiness, Yuvaan. You always have."
He swallowed hard, emotions tightening his chest.
"And you," he whispered, turning to her, "are the reason I believe I still have some left."
Their hands remained intertwined…