Date: Thursday, 3rd August – Ishanvi & Abhay's 19th Birthday
4:45 AM – Nandanpur
The sun hadn't risen yet, but the kitchen in both homes was glowing with warm yellow light. The smell of halwa drifted from Sunita's clay stove. At the Sharmas', Neha was folding a neat red kurta for Abhay.
"I added a small kaju-katli box in your bag," she whispered. "Don't share it with your friends — it's just for you."
Meanwhile, Rajesh handed a small copper bracelet to Ishanvi.
"This was mine when I turned nineteen," he said, patting her head. "May your fire always guide you — never burn you."
5:30 AM – The Banyan Meet-Up
All eight friends met near the banyan tree, their scooters parked, helmets slightly wet from dew.
Vaidehi ran up first. "Happy birthday, didi! Bhaiya!"
"Thank you," both said in unison.
Raghav added with a grin, "You're officially adults now. Time to stop scolding us like mini teachers."
Vrinda handed them each a tiny handmade card. Aariv gave them a fist bump. Meera and Vivaan hugged them like little siblings who still remembered birthdays with colored papers and stars.
"Where's Simran?" asked Vivaan.
"She maybe already at school?" Abhay guessed.
6:00 AM – Extra Class Begins
They reached school just on time. In the extra class room, where cool air and sleepy silence usually reigned, a surprise was waiting.
There on the chalkboard was written in big, pink chalk letters:
"Happy Birthday Ishanvi & Abhay – From Us (Especially Me 😜)"
There was a hand-drawn sketch of both, clearly by Simran. She stood nearby, holding a small chocolate cake and one candle.
"I told the peon uncle to let me in early," she said with a smile. "You two are the only people I've ever made a cake for."
Ishanvi smiled back softly. "It's lovely, Simran. Really."
Simran winked. "It's a shame though… I didn't get to see your boyfriend blush yet."
Abhay turned red, just as Simran knew he would. Ishanvi laughed.
"I think he saves that just for private compliments."
"Ahhh… so he does!" Simran teased.
Lunch Break – Gifts & Teasing
During lunch, the group surprised them again with a handmade photo-frame with their group picture taken at Devgarh temple, and tiny notes hidden behind the frame — one from each of the younger siblings.
"Didi, you're the fire of this group," wrote Vrinda.
"Bhaiya, you are the calm when we panic," wrote Aariv.
Raghav's note simply read: "You better not cry now. We're already broke."
Even Simran had secretly slipped a note into Abhay's pocket.
"For someone who can't even say thank you properly, you've made our lives more peaceful than rivers."
Abhay turned to look at her, speechless. Ishanvi caught the moment and, not saying a word, just smiled.
Evening – Rooftop Laughter
The siblings gathered on the rooftop of the Kumars' house.
Rajesh brought out a big home-cooked dinner. Neha and Sunita exchanged recipes while Vikram laughed, "See, our children are older now. And we still act like the birthday kids!"
The sky above was clear, stars bright.
Ishanvi sat beside Abhay near the wall, away from the crowd. The sounds of laughter floated behind them.
"Did you like the day?" she asked.
"I… I did. Because of you," he said, voice quiet.
She looked at him.
"And your stuttering didn't even show up," she teased.
He paused. "Th-that's b-because I d-didn't know you'd l-look this b-beautiful today."
Silence.
She turned crimson. Then chuckled.
"Okay, that was cute."