EP-2
Priya lay on the hospital bed, breathing heavily, still recovering from the pain.
The nurse walked in with a warm smile.
Nurse: “Congratulations, Mrs. Malhotra… it’s a baby girl.”
Priya’s heart skipped a beat.
A baby girl.
Her mind immediately went to Vijay’s parents. They had always wanted a grandson…
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
[What if Vijay… doesn’t feel happy? What if… he looks at her differently?]
Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening.
Vijay walked in, his face glowing with joy. In his arms, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, was their newborn.
He sat down beside her, his eyes shimmering with tears.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“Look, Priya… it’s a baby girl… and she’s so pretty… so beautiful.”
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“I’ll give her the name Aahana… my sunshine.”
Priya’s eyes welled up. All her fears melted away as she looked at him—this man who wasn’t just holding their daughter, but holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
Aahana was indeed beautiful—fair skin that seemed to glow, black almond-shaped eyes framed by impossibly long lashes, tiny pink lips, and a head full of soft, dark black hair.
And she was healthy, breathing steadily, her small fingers curling around Vijay’s thumb.
Priya smiled weakly, her heart full.
Still sitting beside Priya, Vijay pulled out his phone. He wanted to let his family know about the arrival.
He dialed his father’s number.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“Dad… it’s a baby girl.”
Ranbir Malhotra/fl's grandfather
“That’s none of our business.”
Priya’s heart sank. She lowered her gaze, feeling the sting of those words.
Vijay’s jaw tightened. His hand automatically went to Aahana’s tiny head, as if shielding her from the cruelty.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“You know what? You’re right… from today onwards, nothing about us will be your business.”
Without waiting for a reply, he cut the call. Priya looked at him, worried.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
"Vijay..."
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
"shhh.. I don’t care who approves or not. She’s my daughter, and she’s perfect.”
He kissed Priya’s forehead, then Aahana’s tiny hand.
Outside, the world could be harsh… but inside this room, their little family was untouchable.
A year passed in the blink of an eye.
Aahana had grown into a chubby little angel with the same black almond eyes and long lashes as before… only now, they sparkled brighter.
It was her first birthday. The house was decorated with balloons, ribbons, and the smell of freshly baked cake. Priya had been planning for weeks, wanting everything to be perfect.
She looked at Vijay while putting the finishing touches on the cake.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
“Vijay… please, just this once, invite your family. It’s her first birthday… maybe they’ll come.”
Vijay sighed but nodded for her sake. He made the calls.
The day went on… the guests arrived, laughter filled the room, kids played. But there was no sign of his parents, no call, no message.
Priya kept glancing at the door, holding on to a small hope.
Vijay noticed and wrapped his arm around her.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“Priya… they didn’t come to the hospital when she was born. Why would they come now?”
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
“Because she’s their granddaughter…”
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“They chose to stay away. And that’s fine… we don’t need them. Look around—Aahana has so many people here who love her.”
Just then, Aahana giggled, smashing cake on her own face, and everyone laughed.
Vijay smiled and kissed her little forehead.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“Happy Birthday, princess… you’re all the family I need.”
And the celebration went on, warm and full of love—despite the empty chairs meant for those who never came.
Ranbir Malhotra/fl's grandfather
"let's become a family again. come back home."
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
"I can't, my daughter is studying in the city's best school."
Aahana ran around the living room, laughing as she played with her toys. Priya glanced nervously at Vijay as his jaw tightened.
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
But she’s just a girl! Why waste so much on her education? One day she’ll get married, and you won’t get anything in return!
Vijay’s eyes flashed with anger. He stepped forward, his voice low but cutting.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
(Angrily) Stop it! Stop saying such things about my daughter! She’s not “just a girl!” She is my child, and I will give her everything she deserves, whether you understand it or not!
Ranbir Malhotra/fl's grandfather
Vijay… calm down.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
(Raising his voice now) No, I won’t calm down! I’ve stayed silent for years while you judged me, my wife, and now my daughter. Aahana will study, she will grow, she will be independent, and no one—not you, not anyone—will belittle her for being a girl!
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
I don’t want anything from her. I don’t need favors—I just want her to have a future, and if you can’t respect that, then maybe it’s better if you leave!
Aahana stopped playing and looked up at her father, sensing his anger. She quietly ran to Priya, hiding behind her.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
(Calming him) Vijay… let it go.
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