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A Y E S H A

My eyes widened in sheer disbelief, nearly bulging out of their sockets as an overwhelming wave of shock washed over me. I had no idea what had just happened. My heart pounded so intensely, it felt like it might leap out of my chest. My mouth was left hanging open in shock.

It was incredibly difficult to believe any of it-impossibly difficult. The speakers kept playing the sound of fireworks, and those gigantic words shimmered in the sky. This scene was beyond words because SOME VIEWS ARE MEANT ONLY TO BE FELT, AND THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE.

I stood there, stunned, when suddenly, Maan embraced me from behind. He placed one hand on my stomach and moved my hair aside with the other. Leaning close to my ear, he whispered in an intense and maddening voice, "Happy birthday, MAAN KI JAAN."

(Crying)

What? What did he just said? Maan ki Jaan? No! Please don't do this, my heart is full and I can't endure another things from him. This is too much for a girl like me, who've never imagined her partner like this. Don't tell me it's a dream, Because I'll go crazy if I find out this was just a dream.

Tears were rolling down on my cheeks. His words was continuously echoing on my mind, - "Happy Birthday, Maan Ki Jaan."

'Jaan', I can't explain how beautiful this word felt out of his mouth.

Ah! This can't be a dream.

And here, he kissed the side of my neck, and.... it hit me that this was no dream. This was reality, a reality that was about to become the most beautiful memory of my life.

It was my birthday today, something I had completely forgotten. I had no memory that today was such a special day in my life. Seeing so much on this special day, how could I possibly hold back my tears? It was inevitable to cry because so many beautiful moments had suddenly fallen into my lap.

I started sobbing like a child and instantly turned around to bury my face in his chest.

He held me tightly in his arms and let me sob for a while. I was speechless, unable to find the words to express what I felt in front of him because I had no words left.

He gently pulled me away and, after looking at my tear-streaked face for a few moments, leaned in and kissed my wet cheeks. Holding my face in his hands, he said, "These tears are precious. Don't waste them."

Just then, I managed to say, "I-I didn't even remember my birthday, and you....."

I couldn't speak any further. I started hiccupping, and Maan pulled me close to his chest again and began to soothe my back. For a while, I continued to sob, and he stood there holding me without a word.

Time passed, and my tears eventually subsided. I slowly pulled away from his chest, my eyes downcast. He held my face and asked, "All cried out?"

I nodded my head like a child.

God! Stop behaving like a kid Ayesha.

"Good! Because from now, no more tears should fall." This time his voice was cold.

I looked up at him, who then took my hand and led me to a beautifully decorated table. Two chairs were placed opposite each other. A few people were there only to serve, and they weren't even allowed to look at me probably, because everyone's eyes were downcast.