lost love

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Happy Birthday, Jiya! God bless you, dear! Happy birthday, sweetie!

The 7th floor of a luxurious restaurant was packed with guests, and the evening star, Jiya, the birthday girl, was showered with gifts, wishes, and warm hugs. Everyone was smiling, taking pictures, and sharing jokes. A cake was brought to the center and everyone began singing the off-key birthday song.

At 11 THE, guests started to depart, and at 1 o’clock, I finally reached home, tired from the entire day's events.

My apartment was dark, and gifts were lying on the couch and dining table. Without switching on the lights, I dragged my weary body to bed. Everything was so quiet that I could hear my breathing, a stark contrast to the lively scene at the restaurant.

This is the life of the famous journalist Jiya Singh, who has many friends and a loving, caring family—her mom, dad, and brothers who adore her. Yet, she was still lonely.

The alarm rang at 8 o’clock, and slowly Jiya opened her eyes. “Why is it at 8 o’clock? So early today. I’m so tired and want to sleep more, but then I need to go home; mom would be mad at me if I didn’t show up.” Dragging her exhausted body to the bathroom, she took a quick shower. “What the heck? I look scary; I didn’t remove my makeup last night. Well, it’s okay; who cares how I look?”

After finishing her morning routine and trying on 8 to 10 dresses, she finally settled on jeans and a T-shirt. She then drove to her parents' place. “Come on, Jiya, you can do this. It's just a routine. I’ll go there, stick to my plan, and they will run away.”

Entering the house, she saw her mom. “Mom, I’m home!”

“You're here! And what are you wearing? Change into something else; maybe a dress?”

“Mom, I don’t want to change. This looks good and is comfortable.”

“Oh God, Jiya, don’t do this again. Go and change right now. I want you to look perfect.”

“I’m not going to change! If you feel that I’ll embarrass you, I’ll leave.”

“Stop right there! You are not going anywhere. Those guests are coming to see you. How can you leave?”

“Exactly, Mom! They are here to meet me, so I don’t have to dress up to show off.”

“Do as you wish, but for God’s sake, don’t make them run away, Jiya. Can’t you see? All your friends are married and have children. They are all settled in their lives. And what about you? What are you doing with your life? You’re already 30 this year and still single!”

“Mom, I don’t want to get married. I have my career.”

“Don’t you dare give me that excuse anymore! Everyone has their jobs, and they get married as well. Marriage doesn’t stop you from pursuing your career.”

“Your father and I are working, yet we have you and your brother. Your career is important, but you need a life partner. Jiya, Mom and Dad love you, child. That’s the reason Mom is doing this. Can’t you feel it?”

“Alright, Mom, I understand.

“MOM, THEY ARE HERE!”

“Hey sis, all okay?”

“Yeah, I’m cool, Ajay. Where’s Jay?”

“He’s with Dad welcoming our guests.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, welcome! This is my wife Neema, my elder son Jay, my son Ajay, and my daughter Jiya.” Dad introduced them as the Sharma family did the same: Mr and Mrs Sharma and their son, Dr Adarsh Sharma.