Chapter 6: The Birthday Announcement

The Grand Royal Hotel, Jaipur, sparkled with golden lights.

Fresh flowers decorated the entrance, while soft music played in the background.

The banquet hall was filled with family, friends, business associates, and children.

It was Rahul's sixth birthday, and the entire Singh family had gathered to celebrate.

Rahul ran around excitedly wearing a tiny navy-blue suit.

His parents, Kritika and Wing Commander Rishi, welcomed every guest with smiles.

One by one, the guests arrived.

The Singh family.

The Rathore family.

Business friends.

Close relatives.

The hall buzzed with laughter.

A black SUV stopped outside the hotel.

Poornima stepped out.

She wore a simple emerald-green silk saree with minimal jewelry.

Elegant.

Graceful.

Confident.

She had left her one-year-old twins at home with their aunt, Savithri.

Savithri had smiled before Poornima left.

Savithri: "Don't worry about the babies."

"I'll take care of them."

"Just enjoy the evening."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Thank you, Masi."

Inside the hotel...

Veeresh had just finished greeting a few guests.

He turned around...

And froze.

Standing near the entrance was Poornima.

She looked exactly as confident as he remembered.

Poornima also noticed him.

For a brief second...

Their eyes met.

Neither smiled.

Neither nodded.

Both immediately turned their faces away in opposite directions.

As if the other person didn't exist.

Watching from a distance...

Raghav sighed.

Raghav: "Look at them."

"Not even a hello."

Devraj folded his arms and smiled.

Devraj: "Exactly as expected."

Raghav: "This is your brilliant plan?"

Devraj: "Relax."

"I've already made a plan."

"You just follow everything."

Raghav narrowed his eyes.

Raghav: "Fine."

"But if anything goes wrong..."

He picked up a piece of cake from a nearby table.

Raghav: "This entire cake is going on your face."

Devraj laughed.

Devraj: "Believe me."

Raghav shook his head.

"I don't know whether to trust you..."

"...or pray."

A few minutes later...

The lights dimmed.

Everyone gathered around the giant birthday cake.

Rahul stood in the center between Kritika and Rishi.

The guests began singing.

Everyone: "Happy Birthday to you..."

Rahul giggled excitedly.

He looked at his grandfather.

Rahul: "Nanu, can I cut it now?"

Devraj smiled warmly.

Devraj: "Go ahead, champion."

Rahul cut the cake.

The hall erupted into applause.

Children cheered.

Confetti filled the air.

Rahul fed the first piece to his parents.

Then to Devraj and Rukmini.

Soon everyone was busy talking, laughing, and enjoying dinner.

Suddenly...

Devraj tapped a spoon against his glass.

Clink... Clink... Clink...

The entire hall slowly became quiet.

Everyone turned toward him.

Devraj stood with the microphone in his hand.

Devraj: "Ladies and gentlemen..."

"I have an announcement."

The room instantly became curious.

The Singh siblings exchanged confused looks.

Aravind: "What announcement?"

Siya: "Did you know about this?"

Aravind: "No."

Across the hall...

Arjun smirked.

He whispered loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear.

Arjun: "I think Dad is planning a second marriage."

The nearby guests burst into laughter.

Devraj glared at him.

Devraj: "Asshole!"

"If you don't stop talking..."

He picked up a plate with a slice of cake.

Devraj: "...I'll put this cake on your face."

Arjun immediately raised both hands.

Arjun: "I was only joking!"

Rajshree: "You deserve it."

Everyone laughed again.

Even Rukmini couldn't stop smiling.

Devraj shook his head dramatically.

Devraj: "Three sons..."

"And not one of them behaves like an adult."

Veeresh muttered under his breath.

Veeresh: "He's talking as if he behaves like one."

Devraj heard him.

Devraj: "Veeresh!"

Veeresh: "Yes, Dad?"

Devraj: "You're next."

The hall filled with laughter once more.

Only Poornima stood quietly, watching the playful family interaction from a distance.

For the first time in years...

She smiled.

A small smile.

One that Veeresh noticed without realizing it.

And for just a moment...

He forgot they had spent half their lives trying to outdo each other.