Aditi stirred awake from her beauty sleep, the morning light brushing softly against her face. Today was special—her seventeenth 17th birthday. As she did every morning, her hand reached instinctively for the photo frame resting on her bedside table. Lifting it gently, she whispered with a tender smile, “Happy birthday, princess… happy birthday, putthu.” she wished herself on behalf of her parents. She pressed a soft kiss to the frame, her eyes glistening with warmth as if the frame itself carried a heartbeat.

Aditi clutched the frame to her heart, her voice trembling as though afraid the silence would swallow her words.

“Thank you, Papa… thank you, Mumma,” she whispered, forcing a smile through the heaviness in her chest. “Don’t be sad, okay? So what if you both aren’t here with me… I know your wishes, your prayers, they’re always wrapped around me.”

Her thumb lingered over the glass, tracing their faces as tears welled in her eyes. “Seventeen years… your little princess is all grown up today,” she choked, her breath hitching. “Papa, she’s not just older—she’s stronger too. Smarter. Just like you wanted her to be.”

The words broke into a sob, but she held the frame tighter, as if their love was still alive in that fragile piece of glass.

Just then, a warm, familiar voice drifted in from behind her.

“Samajhdar toh bahut ho gayi hai, princess.”

Startled, Aditi turned, her eyes instantly softening at the sight. Standing there was her dadu, watching her with affectionate pride. Without a moment’s hesitation, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her.

“Dadu!” Aditi exclaimed, her voice bright and trembling at once. “Good morning!”

Smrita ji’s wrinkled eyes gleamed with love as she held her granddaughter close. “Good morning, mera bacha,” she whispered, kissing the top of her head. “Happy birthday once again.”

“Thank you, my love,” Aditi murmured, planting a playful kiss on her dadu’s cheek.

They slowly broke the embrace, and Smrita ji’s gaze fell upon the frame still resting on the bed. With trembling hands, she picked it up, her fingers gently caressing the photograph before she pressed a tender kiss against it. Her eyes glistened, the weight of memories heavy in her chest.

Sensing it instantly, Aditi slipped her arms around her from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. With a soft smile, she whispered, “Kya hua, meri jaan? Mere birthday wale din royega mera baby?”

Smrita ji let out a watery chuckle, quickly swiping at her own tears. She turned slightly, giving Aditi’s cheek a light, affectionate slap. “Nautanki,” she teased, her lips curving into a smile despite the dampness in her eyes.

Smrita ji shook her head, her voice softening into a sigh. “Kuch nahi… bas apne bachon ki yaad aa gayi,” she admitted, brushing her thumb once more over the frame. Then, straightening her back, she looked at Aditi with mock sternness. “Tu jaldi se fresh hokar aa jana. Aur haan, naha lena. Bina nahaye nashta karne mat aana,” she warned firmly.

“Dadu yaar,” Aditi groaned, flopping back against the pillows. “Aaj toh chhod dete. Baad mein naha loongi, pakka.”

Smrita ji arched an eyebrow, lips pursed with authority. “No bath means no nashta, no party,” she declared, before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

Left alone, Aditi huffed dramatically, hugging the frame once more to her chest. She whispered softly to the faces within, “We will meet soon… bye.”

During breakfast, Aditi stirred her plate absentmindedly before looking up at her dadu. “Dadu… meko permission chahiye,” she said, trying to sound casual.

Smrita ji raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp yet curious. “Kis baat ke liye?” she asked.

Aditi twirled her spoon nervously, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “School ke baad… mere friends ne mere liye party rakhi hai. Kya… me jaa sakti hoon?”

Rita ji’s eyes softened slightly, but she remained cautious. “Kitne baje tak wapas aaogi?”

“Saat baje se pehle pakka aa jaungi…” Aditi said, her voice dipping into a playful, pleading tone. She pouted, eyes wide and innocent, the perfect picture of puppy-eyed charm. “Please, Dadu?”

Smrita ji chuckled, the warmth in her eyes making Aditi’s heart leap. “Bilkul… maa pe gayi hai apni. Theek hai, chali jaa lekin saat baje se pehle aa jana,” she added, her tone firm on the last line, making Aditi nod eagerly.

“Thank you, sweetheart!” Aditi exclaimed, planting a quick kiss on smrita ji’s cheek.

Smrita ji shook her head in disbelief at the girl’s boundless energy, a small smile playing on her lips.

Aditi hurriedly finished her breakfast, threw on her school uniform, and dashed out of the house, the excitement of the day buzzing through her veins.

When she entered her classroom, she froze. The room was completely empty. Furrowing her brows, she caught sight of a student passing by and called out, “Where is everyone?”

The student glanced at her with a small smile. “All of them are gathered in the canteen.”

Aditi’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Why?? Class bunk karni hai kya?” she exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.

“No yaar,” the student replied, shaking his head. “I think there’s a meeting… or an announcement… something for your class. All are waiting for you. You must go there.”

With that, he waved and walked away.

Aditi stood frozen for a moment, a hand on her forehead. “Announcement… or meeting… wo bhi canteen me? Hayee rabba! Khane pe rok na lag di jaye. Babaji, mehr kro tussi!”

She hurried off, her mind racing with curiosity and a hint of panic, wondering what awaited her.

Aditi hurried toward the canteen, her excitement still buzzing, but what she saw made her freeze in place. The canteen was completely empty. Not a single soul in sight.

“Heyy… Waheguru ji! Ye sab kya ho raha hai? Kahan gaye sab?” she muttered to herself, panic rising in her chest. “Kahi aisa toh nahi ki mere aane se pehle hi meeting ho gayi ho, aur meeting me ye decide hua ho ki sab canteen nahi khulega… No way! Main toh phir bhooke hi marr jaungi.”

Just then, a loud burst echoed through the hall—a balloon popping unexpectedly. Aditi jumped, flinching in place, pressing her hand to her chest to steady her racing heartbeat.

As her eyes adjusted, she saw a surprising sight: all her classmates were there, smiling and whispering excitedly. And… even some teachers were present. Her jaw dropped. Teachers? Here? On my birthday? Shock and disbelief mingled with her curiosity, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Aditi blinked at the unexpected crowd, still trying to process what was happening. “Good morning, teachers… may I ask, what’s happening here?” she inquired, her voice a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

The teachers remained silent, exchanging knowing glances, but then, in perfect unison, all the students cheered, “Congratulations, Aditi!”

Aditi’s eyes widened in surprise.

One of the teachers stepped forward, her smile warm but proud. “Congratulations, Miss Aditi Kaur. You’ve made us proud.”

Aditi tilted her head, confused. “Means…?”

“Do you remember the competition between the toppers a few months ago?” the teacher asked gently.

Aditi nodded slowly, her heart beginning to race.

The teacher’s voice grew more enthusiastic. “Well… you secured the first position in that competition in Mumbai, and not just that—you also achieved the second highest percentage across all of India.”

Aditi’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes shining with disbelief and joy. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Aditi gasped, her palm flying to her wide-open mouth in shock. Her heart raced, disbelief and joy mingling in her chest. The teachers smiled warmly, patting her head, and quietly left the canteen, leaving her surrounded by her classmates.

The moment the last teacher stepped out, a chorus of voices erupted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADI!”

Students rushed forward, enveloping her in hugs and laughter. After the whirlwind of greetings, Aditi beamed as she cut the cake—a surprise her friends had secretly arranged—and happily fed pieces to everyone, laughter and chatter filling the room.

Once the celebration settled, the students gradually made their way back to class. Rohan leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Adi yaar, aaj party confirm hai na? Last time toh ditch kiya tha tune,” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Aditi rolled her eyes playfully but smiled, her excitement undimmed.

“No yaar,” Aditi said, shaking her head with a small smile. “Maine Dadu se permission le liya hai, but mujhe saat baje tak ghar jaana h.”

Shruti nearly dropped her phone in shock. “Are you mad, Adi? Saat baje?? Like seriously… itni jaldi?”

Aditi chuckled softly. “Dude, it’s my birthday, so I want to spend some special time with my family… with my Dadu.”

Rohan frowned, concern creasing his forehead. “But still yaar, seven baje… bahot jaldi ho jayega.”

Aditi’s smile softened, a hint of earnestness in her voice. “Sorry guys, but you know Dadu very well… and I also don’t want to leave her alone, especially today.”

Her friends exchanged looks, understanding lighting their expressions, though a little reluctant, as Aditi’s love for her family clearly came first.

“Yeah, we understand,” Shruti said, shrugging, a playful smile on her face. “It’s okay… but at least the party toh on hai, boss!”

“Yess!” chorused Rohan and Shruti together, their excitement bubbling over.

***** Kapoor House *****

Smrita ji’s phone buzzed, and she answered immediately. “Hello… ha, kaha pahunche tum log?”

“Achha, achha, jaldi aao. Ha ha, Aditi toh saatn baje tak aayegi. Saara samaan to laye ho na? Bhoole toh nahi kuch?”

The call ended with a cheerful reminder. “Theek hai, phir aao jaldi. Bye!”

As she cut the call, smrita ji couldn’t help but grin widely, her eyes twinkling with anticipation and pride.

******SCHOOL*******

Shruti nudged Aditi as they walked out of class. “Adi, tu kya pehn rahi hai sham ko?”

Aditi shrugged, a playful grin on her face. “Pata nahi yaar… kuch socha hi nahi. Chal, shopping pe chalte hain.”

“Great,” Shruti said, pulling out her phone. “Ruk, main Rohan se pooch leti hoon… chalega ya nahi.”

A few moments later, Shruti hung up, her face lighting up. “Aa raha hai!” she exclaimed excitedly.

Aditi smirked knowingly. “I knew it.”

After school, the trio headed out for shopping, their laughter and chatter filling the air—but not before Aditi made sure to take permission from her Dadu, who nodded with a fond smile.

After a long day of shopping, the trio made their way to Shruti’s house to get ready. It was closer to the mall compared to Rohan and Aditi’s homes, making it the perfect spot to prepare.

Aditi chose a peach crop top paired with blue high-waist jeans, styling her hair in a high ponytail and adding just a touch of makeup to highlight her features. Shruti opted for a knee-length red dress, her excitement mirrored in the sparkle of her eyes. Rohan kept it casual yet sharp in a red t-shirt and black jeans.

Once ready, they left for the venue—a place that remained a mystery to Aditi. Soon, they arrived at a beautiful bungalow, its lights twinkling warmly against the evening sky.

Aditi paused at the entrance, curiosity bubbling. “Yeh hum kahan aaye hain?” she asked, glancing around in wonder.

Shruti grinned mischievously, tugging her forward. “Tu andar chal… tujhe sab pata chal jayega.”

Aditi crossed her arms, pouting as she scowled at the unfamiliar bungalow. “Yaar, hum toh club jaane wale the na? Hum yahan kyu aaye hain? Yaar, main kitni excited thi… pehli baar club ja rahi hoon, woh bhi Dadu ki permission se… aur tum logon ne saara mood spoil kar diya!” she whined, her voice a mix of frustration and playful annoyance.

Rohan rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Are meri maa, mu band kar! Kitna bolti hai tu. Ab andar chalegi ya yahi khadi rehni hai?”

Aditi twisted her lips to one side, giving him a mock glare. “Maine kab mana kiya andar jaane ke liye? Bakwaas khud kar rahe ho, aur bill mere pe phaad rahe ho! Agar pehle bata dete ki hum yahan aaye hain, toh main thodi itna poochti… lekin nahi, tum logon ko toh bhao khane hote hain…”

She huffed dramatically, crossing her arms again, a mix of annoyance and curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she awaited the surprise.

Aditi chattered non-stop, until suddenly she felt herself lifted off the ground. Her eyes widened as she realized she was on Rohan’s shoulder. She flailed, hitting his back lightly, her voice a mix of panic and protest.

“Chhodo! Mujhe… main bhaag nahi jaungi! Aur bhaag bhi nahi sakti… mujhe rasta bhi nahi pata! Ro yaar, please… chhodo mujhe, kutte… chhodo!” she yelled, her words tumbling out in a flustered jumble.

Shruti doubled over nearby, laughing wholeheartedly at the cartoonish scene unfolding before her.

Soon, they entered the bungalow. Rohan gently placed Aditi back on her feet, and she muttered under her breath, glaring at him, “Kutta…” before her gaze lifted to take in the surroundings.

Her eyes widened in sheer amazement. “It’s toooo pretty, dudee! Meri aankhein bahar aa jaayengi thodi der mein. Ye kiska hai?”

The bungalow shimmered in warm lights, decorated beautifully, every corner hinting at the surprise her friends had planned. Aditi stood frozen, half in awe and half in disbelief, her excitement finally catching up with her.

Aditi spun around, ready to ask her friends where everyone was—but to her shock, the bungalow was empty. The main door was locked. Then, abruptly, the lights went out. Darkness swallowed the room, and a chill ran down her spine. Fear gripped her, tightening like a vice.

“Shruti? Rohan?” she called out, her voice trembling. “Are you here? Is this some prank?”

Her words echoed, unanswered. Then, from somewhere in the shadows, she heard footsteps—slow, deliberate, approaching her. Her heart pounded, and she instinctively closed her eyes, muttering prayers under her breath.

A sudden presence loomed behind her. She felt someone’s warm breath on her neck, sending shivers through her entire body, goosebumps rising along her arms.

A soft, familiar voice whispered in her ear, sending her heart racing:

“Happy birthday… AD.”

Aditi’s eyes flew open in a sudden jerk, and without a second thought, she threw her arms around the person behind her, hugging them tightly.

Suddenly, all the lights in the bungalow blazed on, bathing the room in a warm, festive glow. A chorus of voices erupted around her, ringing in her ears:

“Happy birthday, Aditiiiii!”

She pulled back slightly, blinking in astonishment, and noticed her classmates and friends grinning from every corner. Her heart leapt. She turned back to the person in her arms, hugging her tightly again, her voice trembling with disbelief and joy.

“Piyu… (P.U)… meri jaan! Tu kab wapas aayi?”

Pihu—her childhood best friend, the one who had always stood by her through thick and thin—smiled, her eyes glistening. Pihu knew Aditi’s family, her parents, every little detail of her life. They had studied together until Pihu’s family had to shift to Canada. That move had been painful; Aditi had locked herself in her room for an entire day and night, refusing even Pihu’s calls, feeling abandoned. But her family had explained that it was unavoidable, and after much struggle, Aditi had finally unlocked her door.

And now… Pihu was here, on Aditi’s birthday, three long years later, a living reminder of the bond that distance and time could never break.

Aditi clutched P.U tightly, tears streaming down her face. “P.U… tu kab aayi yaar?” she choked out.

“Kal raat,” Pihu replied softly, her own eyes shimmering with emotion.

Aditi’s tears fell freely now—she was a crying mess, overwhelmed by how much she had missed her best friend, her sister by heart. Pihu rubbed her back gently, soothing her, whispering soft reassurances.

“I missed you so much, Piyu,” Aditi sobbed, burying her face into Pihu’s shoulder.

“Aww, mera bacha… I missed you too, baby,” Pihu whispered, her voice tender.

They slowly pulled apart from the hug, and Pihu pressed gentle kisses to Aditi’s cheeks and forehead, grounding her, letting her feel the warmth and love of their unbroken bond.

Pihu gently pushed Aditi back slightly, a teasing smile on her tear-streaked face. “Chal, ab rona bandh kar… saara makeup kharaab kar diya tune, apna bhi aur mera bhi, pagal aurat.”

Aditi chuckled through her tears, and together they wiped each other’s faces, laughter mingling with the lingering sobs.

“Oye kanjaroo, aa jao! Ab cake bhi cut karna hai aaj!” Shruti’s voice rang out from the crowd, playful and impatient.

Pihu grabbed Aditi’s hand, guiding her to stand in front of the beautifully decorated cake. Aditi took a deep breath, held Pihu’s hands, and together they cut the cake, the room echoing with cheers and laughter.

Once the celebration had calmed a little, Aditi’s eyes softened, glancing around with a mix of curiosity and longing. “P.U… Maa, Baba… kidhar hai?” she asked quietly, using the endearing names she reserved for her parents.

Pihu smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind Aditi’s ear. “Mama, mami k ghar gaye hain. Unka bhi bahut mann tha tujhse milne ka, lekin waha pooja thi, toh unhe jaana pada.”

Aditi nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Acha.”

She then turned sharply to Rohan and Shruti, her eyes narrowing playfully.

“Oye, kutto… tumne ye sab kab decide kiya hai?” she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and mock annoyance.

Shruti laughed, shrugging. “Yaar, jab kal decide kar rahe the ki kahaan jaana hai teri party ke liye, tabhi Pihu ka call aaya tha, bataane ke liye ki woh raat mein wapas aa rahi hai. Toh humne apna plan bataya ki hum club jaane wale hain… phir usne ye plan banaya. Prank bhi ho gaya aur surprise bhi!”

Aditi crossed her arms, feigning indignation. “Kanjaro! Tum logon ko pata hai ki mujhe dar lagta hai, phir bhi prank kiya? Sharam toh nahi aati na tum logo ko? Mera birthday wali din… mujhe preshaan kiya!”

Rohan and Shruti exchanged guilty grins, while Pihu laughed softly, wrapping an arm around Aditi’s shoulder. “Chill, meri jaan… sab tere liye tha.”

Rohan rolled his eyes, smirking. “Chal ab zyada ban mat. Prank ke saath surprise diya… uska koi thank you shankyou nahi?”

Aditi threw her hands up dramatically. “Chal ab tujhe thank you bolu… itne bure din mere!”

They chitchatted for a while longer, laughter and teasing filling the air. One by one, the other friends had already left, leaving just the four of them in the bungalow.

Aditi suddenly glanced at her watch, her eyes widening. “Oye, time bata.”

Rohan checked his phone. “6:15 ho gaya hai.”

Aditi gasped, jumped in place, and smacked her forehead with a thud. “Siyappa!”

Pihu looked at her, concern knitting her brows. “Kya ho gaya?”

“Yaar… mujhe saatn baje tak ghar pahunchna hai, warna Dadu… pta nahi kya haal karengi mera. Mujhe jaana hai, yaar!” Aditi exclaimed, panic flashing in her eyes as she realized how little time she had left.

Aditi spun around, glancing at the clock again. “Chalo yaar, jaldi karte hain! Saatn baje se pehle ghar pahunchna hai!”

Rohan groaned, grabbing his jacket. “Arre, ab itni daud-dhoop? Chal, let’s go before Dadu starts a full inquiry committee.”

Pihu and Shruti burst into laughter, but quickly followed, helping Aditi gather her things.

As they dashed toward the car, Aditi shrieked every few seconds, “Siyappa! Jaldi! Jaldi! Main Dadu ke wrath se bachna chahti hoon!”

Rohan shook his head, laughing but trying to drive faster. “Tumhara Dadu aur wrath… matlab, seriously, it’s a life-or-death situation?”

“Bilkul yaar! Agar main time pe nahi pahunchi, meri zindagi khatam!” Aditi yelled, clutching her bag as though it were armor.

Pihu snorted, nudging her. “Relax, meri jaan. Abhi toh hum full speed mein hain… aur tujhe sirf ek surprise birthday adventure ka bonus mil raha hai.”

Shruti, in the backseat, laughed so hard she almost forgot to buckle up. The car sped through the streets, horns honking, laughter and playful shouting filling the air. Despite the chaos, Aditi couldn’t help but feel a rush of joy—her birthday had been a whirlwind, but with her friends by her side, every moment felt unforgettable.

They reached her house, and Aditi pressed the doorbell, holding her breath. Nothing. She pressed it again… and again. Silence greeted her every time. Panic fluttered in her chest.

“Shit… Dadu darwaza kyu nahi khol rahi , wo theek to hongi na?” she muttered under her breath. Then she remembered—she had a spare key. With trembling hands, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, the house cloaked in darkness.

Carefully, she moved toward the switchboard and flicked the lights on.

“SURPRISE!”

The voices of many rang out, echoing through the house. Aditi froze, her eyes widening as tears sprang unbidden.

“Aap log… kab aaye?” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion, unable to hide the joy and shock coursing through her.

***********FINISH**********

How's the first chapter?

What's smrita ji planning to do & with whom she was talking ?

Aditi is shocked to see some people in her house ? So who are they ? Any guesses😉