It was June 27, 2030, 7:40 a.m. The morning sun bathed the room in golden hues, casting its warmth into ‘Maitri‘ – their home. He was peacefully asleep while a soft, melodic voice filled the air.

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Papa… Happy birthday to you,”

She entered the room, balancing a coffee mug in one hand and holding their orange cat, Vishu, in the other. He stirred awake, his eyes adjusting to the morning light, and smiled at her.

“Thank you, Maa,” he whispered, his voice husky from sleep.

She placed the mug on the bedside table, set Vishu down beside him, and leaned in – wrapping her arms around him. A gentle kiss on his forehead, then she wiped his nose with hers playfully and in a mischievous tone, she whispered into his ear, “Happy birthday, dear Thayir. Love you more and more!”

He hugged her tightly and let out a deep sigh, a reflection of relaxation.

She sat besides him, held the cat, and said, “I planned a date today – just you, me, and our little one.” She pointed to her baby bump.

Looking down, she playfully spoke to her baby bump. “Say, ‘Papa, happy birthday!’”

She giggled. “Your baby is kicking!”

“Really?” He immediately placed his hands on her belly, feeling the tiny movements. A slow, tender smile spread across his face – one that held an unspeakable joy.

Resting his head on her lap, he closed his eyes as she gently ran her fingers through his damp hair.

Later, as he sat on the balcony swing, sipping his morning tea, she handed him a small gift bag. Inside was a black-and-white striped t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and a coolers he wished to buy for so long.

“You got me these?” he asked, surprised.

She nodded, grinning. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” he said, holding the clothes against himself.

While he went inside to change, she busied herself in the kitchen, carefully baking a red velvet cake which is his favorite. He stepped out of the shower, wearing his new dress while towel-drying his hair. she blow-dried it for him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. He closed his eyes and felt the warmth of her.

The day was filled with laughter, stolen glances, and lingering touches. They baked together, playfully smearing flour on each other’s faces.


Later, he went back to his room and silently stared at the picture collage on the wall that a timeline of their love, frozen in photographs. Memories flooded his mind.

She hugged him from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Are you happy?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Why are you asking like you doubt it?” he chuckled.

later looked in to her eyes he asked, “What happened?”

She looked into his eyes but didn’t reply. Instead, a quiet sigh escaped her lips, followed by a soft, almost forced smile. “Nothing… just my usual overthinking.”

Then, she presented him with the freshly baked red velvet cake she made. He took a bite, smiling as he fed her a piece and said, “So yummy!” Their cat, Vishu, meowed, joining the celebration.

And then… the doorbell rang.

The sudden sound interrupted the moment’s happiness.

“I’ll go check,” he said, rising to his feet.

As he opened the door, there was nothing. No one. Just silence.

Confused, he turned back to look at her. He stood there, staring at her, his gaze unreadable. He looked at her for a moment in silence and whispered, “It’s time to leave… Bye.”

And before she could react, he collapsed to the ground. His eyes slowly closed.

Her scream tore through the air.

The ringtone of her phone rang out, snapping her back to reality. Back to 30th March 2025.

Shasha woke up from the day nap, her heart racing, her breath uneven. She was at her work desk, her head resting on her folded arms. Her phone buzzed – it was a call from her mom.

She glanced at the time. It was exactly 11:11 a.m.

She realized it was just a dream. A daydream that would never happen as it is. A love that never existed. A birthday that never happened.

A Birthday WiSh left incomplete.