Chapter 2: The Day Everything Changed
The morning of 24th December began with soft sunlight spilling through the thin curtains of Niyati’s room. She woke to the sound of her mother’s voice in the kitchen, humming a familiar tune, and the smell of fresh ghee wafting through the air.
It was her 21st birthday — a milestone her family had been waiting to celebrate with love, laughter, and togetherness.
Her phone was already buzzing with messages. Friends sent colorful GIFs, silly memes, and heartfelt wishes. Her best friend, Rhea, had sent a voice note promising a surprise visit in the evening. But what mattered most to Niyati was the way her family looked at her that morning — as if this day was not just her birthday, but a celebration for all of them.
Her father had taken a day off from work. Her mother had been up since dawn, preparing her favorite dishes. And her elder brother, Aarav, had sent her a short, teasing text:
“Don’t cut the cake without me, little princess. I’m on my way.”
It was an ordinary line, but it carried a warmth that only siblings shared. Aarav was her shield, her partner in mischief, the one who had always stood between her and life’s harshness.
Today, Niyati was even more excited than usual. Her childhood friend, Parth, was coming from London after eight long years. They had grown up together, sharing countless memories, secrets, and laughter. Over the years, distance had kept them apart, but today he had planned a special surprise just for her birthday. The thought of seeing him again made her heart race with joy and nostalgia.
By evening, the house was alive with chatter. A few close relatives had arrived, the cake was ready, and the lights twinkled softly in the decorated living room. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled every corner, and the warmth of family surrounded her.
Niyati wore a simple yet elegant maroon dress, the one Aarav had gifted her last year. She had carefully chosen matching earrings, and a small smile played on her lips every time someone complimented her look. Every time the doorbell rang, her heart skipped a beat — she expected it to be Aarav.
Then the phone rang.
Her father picked it up, his tone casual at first — and then his face froze. The color drained from his skin. The room fell silent. Niyati’s mother stopped mid-sentence, her eyes searching for answers.
And in the next moment, the unthinkable happened — her father’s trembling voice broke the silence:
“There’s been… an accident.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and unreal.
Aarav had been on his way home, carrying the cake she loved, when his bike was struck by a speeding car. The caller’s voice on the other end continued — hospital, critical condition, no time — but Niyati’s ears buzzed, drowning out everything else.
The celebration collapsed into chaos. Plates clattered, chairs scraped, someone began to cry. Niyati stood frozen, her dress suddenly too tight, her hands trembling. In that single moment, the warmth of the day shattered into cold fear.
She didn’t know it yet, but this was the moment her life would split into two parts — before and after.
