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The above song is 'Buddhu Sa Mann' from the movie 'Kapoor and Sons: Since 1921'

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So I had this idea of writing something about Siya's first birthday as an official member of the Dhoni family.

Consider this to be like a special gift from my side because it's my birthday today 🥳

(The clock just struck midnight here in Sweden)

~~~~~~~

The month of July had just started and for once Mahi was excited for his birthday.

Well technically he was excited about celebrating his little sister's birthday, which happened to fall on the exact same day as his.

From his previous conversations with his Gudiya, Mahi knew that she had never really celebrated her birthday before, so he was determined to make the day a memorable one.

With his wife's help Mahi started making all the necessary arrangements while Sakshi found herself shaking her head at his uncharacteristic excitement.

~~~~~~~

On the other hand, Siya wanted to do something special for her Bhaiya's birthday, but she couldn't come up with any ideas.

After a few tries on her own she gave up and decided to call her other big brothers for some help.

After everyone joins in on the conference call, Siya explains her current dilemma to them all and asks for some suggestions.

Virat says, "Arre itna tension kyu le rahi hai tu Siya (Why are you gettingstressed Siyu)? Bhai will be super happy no matter what you give him."

Yuvi adds, "I agree. Tu agar usko sirf ek phool bhi degi toh woh khush ho jaayega (If you just give him asingle flower, he'll still be happy)."

Sonu asks, "Regardless of all that, Siya what exactly did you have in mind?"

Siya replies, "I know ki Bhaiya kaisa bhi gift dekh ke khush ho jaayenge (I know that Bhaiya willbe happy with any kind of gift). I just want to give him something nice to somewhat show what he means to me."

Dada says, "Fir toh I would suggest getting something personal and unique."

Sachin Paaji suggests, "Maybe get him something that is like an inside joke."

Jammy Bhai asks, exasperated, "Seriously Sachin? Aur koi idea nahi aaya tujhe (You couldn't think ofany other idea)?"

Dada replies, "He said like an inside joke Jammy. Basically he means something that Mahi will automatically know is from Siya."

Siya whines, "But main Bhaiya ko aisa kya de sakti hu (But what can I giveBhaiya)? He already has so many things."

Sonu says, "You can make him a card. Handmade gifts hamesha thode zyaada special hote hai (Handmade gifts arealways more special)."

Siya's face lights up and she replies, "Thank you Sonu Bhai. Main abhi hi card banane ka kaam start kar deti hu (I'll make him a cardright away)."

Dada says, "I have something to add to that. Card ke saath ek Dairy Milk bhi rakh dena. Mahi ko chocolate bahut pasand hai. (Along with the cardgive him a dairy milk also. Mahi really likes chocolates.)"

Siya replies, "Okay Dada lekin mujhe chocolate khareedne ke liye Bhabhi ki help leni padegi (Okay Dada but I'll needBhabhi's help to buy a chocolate)."

Jammy Bhai says, "Sakshi kuch nahi bataayegi tumhare Bhaiya ko. Agar tum bata do ki Mahi ke liye surprise hai toh woh khud thodi extra help kar degi. (Sakshi won't sayanything to your brother. If you tell her that it's a surprise for Mahi, she'lleven offer some extra help.)"

Siya replies, "Theek hai Jammy Bhai. Abhi mujhe ek achha sa card banane do. Help karne ke liye thank you. (Okay Jammy Bhai. Nowlet me make a card. Thank you for all the help.)"

Everyone says their goodbyes and Siya gets to work on making the most beautiful birthday card for her big brother.

By the end of the day a very unique card was made and Siya looked extremely proud of her work.

~~~~~~~

The next day Siya looks for an opportunity to talk to her Bhabhi privately so that her Bhaiya wouldn't learn about her plans.

Finally when Mahi went to play with their dogs alone, she approaches Sakshi.

Sakshi sees the expression on Siya's face and asks, "Kya hua Siyu? Koi pareshaani hai kya? (What happened Siyu? Anyproblem?)"

Siya replies, "Bhabhi woh na mujhe aapke saath thodi der ke liye bahar jaana tha. Bhaiya ko mat batana unke liye chhota sa surprise hai. (Bhabhi I wanted to goout with you for some time. Don't tell Bhaiya because it's a surprise for him.)"

Sakshi asks, "Woh toh theek hai lekin jaana kahaan hai tumhe (That's okay but where doyou want to go)?"

Siya replies, "Dada ne bola ki Bhaiya ko Dairy Milk pasand hai. Toh ek chocolate khareedne jaana hai. Baaki sab main aapko gaadi me bata dungi. (Dada said that Bhaiyalikes Dairy Milk. That's why I want to buy a chocolate. I'll explain everythingelse in the car.)"

Sakshi smiles and says, "Idea toh badhiya hai tumhara. Main baat kar lungi tumhare Bhaiya se. Jaao aur taiyaar ho jaao toh hum jaldi se jaake aate hai. (Your idea is reallynice. I'll talk to your brother. Go and get ready so we'll leave soon.)"

Siya smiles and nods before running up to her room to get ready quickly while Sakshi goes to their backyard to talk to her husband.

Mahi notices his wife walking towards him and their dogs, so he asks, "Kya hua Sakshi (What happened Sakshi)?"

Sakshi replies, "Main soch rahi thi ki Siyu ke liye kuch uski pasand ka khareedne ke liye. Bas uske liye hum dono thodi der ke liye bahar jaane ka soch rahe the. (I was thinking to takeSiyu to buy something she likes. We're just going out for that.) I came to inform you."

Mahi smiles and says, "Achha theek hai jaao tum dono. Lekin please driver ko saath le jaana aur tum dono apna dhyaan rakhna. (Okay fine go. Justplease take the driver with you and take care of yourselves.)"

Sakshi replies, "Okay but I really hope ki tumhari behen kuch select kar paayegi apne liye. Iss ladki ko shopping karna bilkul bhi nahi pasand hai. (Okay but I really hopeyour sister will be able to select something. That girl really doesn't likeshopping.)"

Mahi says, "Thodi help kar dena aur agar zyaada time hone lage toh chhod dena. Gudiya ka mood kharaab nahi hona chahiye. (Just help her a little andit if it takes too long then leave it. Don't ruin Gudiya's mood.)"

Sakshi sarcastically replies, "Of course tumhe toh sirf apni Gudiya ki hi tension hogi. Mera jo dimaag kharaab hoga uski help karne me uska kya? (Of course you only careabout your sister. What about the headache I'll get in helping her?)"

Mahi simply shrugs and says, "You should be used to it by now. We've been together for almost six years now. Mujhe khud kahaan apne liye theek se shopping karni aati hai (I also can't shop formyself properly)."

Sakshi replies, "Dada ne ek dum sahi naam diya hai Siyu ko. Bilkul tum par hi gayi hai. Little Mahi hi bulana chahiye usko. (Dada gave the perfectname to Siyu. She's just like you. We should call her little Mahi only.)"

Mahi chuckles and says, "Achha theek hai ab jaao aur jaldi se wapas aao (Okay now go and comeback quickly)."

Sakshi shakes her head and replies, "Ha theek hai. Le aaungi tumhari Gudiya ko jaldi se. Tum zara apni excitement kam karo nahi toh pata nahi aur kya-kya plan karne lagoge Siya ke birthday party ke liye. (Okay fine. I'll bringyour Gudiya back soon. Also control your excitement otherwise who knows whatelse you will plan for Siya's birthday party.)"

Mahi nods and goes back to playing with the dogs who were patiently waiting for his conversation to be over.

Sakshi met up with Siya and the ladies left in one of their cars.

~~~~~~~

During the car ride Siya tells her Bhabhi about the conversation she had with her other big brothers and also about the card she made.

Sakshi can't help but smile as she tells Siya that Mahi would love the card when he sees it.

Siya then asks, "Waise Bhabhi, what did you tell Bhaiya?"

Sakshi replies, "Well I was planning to buy something special for you, so I just told Mahi that we are going shopping for that. He knew about my plan beforehand, so he didn't ask any questions."

Siya looks down and asks, "So we need to go shopping today?"

Sakshi smiles and replies, "We'll get whatever you need. Also Mahi wants us back home soon, so it won't take a lot of time."

Listening to this Siya's face lights up while Sakshi simply shakes her head.

~~~~~~~

A few hours later the ladies return home and when he sees them enter, Mahi says, "Kitna time laga diya aap dono ladies ne (You ladies took so long). Wash up and come for dinner."

Siya gives her brother a tight hug before running to her room to freshen up while Sakshi stays back and asks, "Khaane me kya banaya hai (What's for dinner)?"

Mahi replies, "Butter chicken because Gudiya wanted it."

Sakshi retorts, "Siya wanted or you did?"

Mahi says, "Kya farak padta hai (How does it matter)? You people insist on referring to her as little Mahi and we like the same things most of the time. Anyways did you manage to buy anything today?"

Sakshi replies, "Siya will show you today's shopping herself after dinner. Now I'll freshen up and be back soon."

With that she also goes to her bedroom while her husband sets the table.

~~~~~~~

After dinner they all are sitting together when Siya asks, "Bhaiya pata hai aaj humne kya khareeda (Bhaiya do you know whatwe bought today)?"

Mahi replies, "Tumhari Bhabhi ne bataya hi nahi mujhe (Your Bhabhi didn't tellme). You only tell me now."

Sakshi shakes her head at her husband's dramatic antics while Siya says, "Main abhi aapko dikhaati hu (I'll show you now)."

With that she ran to her room and returned with a soft toy which looked suspiciously like a lion wearing a yellow t-shirt.

Mahi gives his wife a confused look while Sakshi just gestures for him to wait.

Siya places the lion in her brother's lap and he finally sees that the yellow t-shirt was actually a small CSK jersey.

Mahi raises an eyebrow and asks, "Yeh kya hai Gudiya (What is this Gudiya)?"

Siya proudly replies, "Our team's mascot. Saare badi teams ke paas apna mascot hota hai toh maine bhi apna choose kar liya (All big teams havetheir own mascot, so I chose ours)."

Mahi chuckles lightly and asks, "Okay fir iss mascot ka naam kya hai (Okay then what is this mascot's name)?"

Siya pouts and replies, "Woh toh maine socha hi nahi (I didn't think aboutthat). You only suggest something."

Mahi smiles and asks, "Well this is lion toh how about Leo?"

Siya's face lights up and she replies, "I love it. Toh ab se Leo is our team mascot (So from now Leo is our teammascot)."

Mahi pulls his sister in for a hug and says, "I'll talk to the management about it. Official bhi kar denge isko (We'll make it official)."

Siya asks, "Aap yeh kar sakte ho (Can you do this)?"

Mahi replies, "No promises but baat toh definitely kar sakta hu. Agar management maan gayi toh Leo will become our official mascot. (No promises but I candefinitely talk to them. If the management agrees then Leo will be our officialmascot.)"

Siya hugs her brother and says, "Thank you Bhaiya. I'm sure aap mana loge unko (I'm sure you'llconvince them)."

Mahi simply chuckles as he holds his little sister close to himself.

Siya then starts her usual post shopping complain session, while Sakshi simply rolls her eyes at her overly dramatic little sister.

Mahi listens to all the complaints very patiently before he turns to his wife and says, "Very bad Sakshi. Kitna pareshaan kar diya tumne meri Gudiya ko (How much you troubledmy Gudiya)?"

Sakshi shoots her husband a glare and replies, "Agli baar khud le jaana agar itni hi problem hai toh (If you so much problemthen take her yourself next time)."

Siya immediately hugs her Bhabhi and says, "Arre meri pyaari Bhabhi. Aap toh bura maan gayi. Hum toh bas mazaak kar rahe the, haina Bhaiya? (Oh my sweet Bhabhi. Yougot angry. We were just kidding, right Bhaiya?)"

Mahi understands his sister's line of thought and replies, "Arre haan, hum toh bas thoda mazaak kar rahe the Sakshi. Tum toh bura maan gayi. (Exactly, we were justkidding. You got angry.)"

Sakshi gives them both a look before she signs and says, "Achha theek hai, bura nahi maanungi. Ab sone ka time ho gaya hai toh chalo dono ke dono. (Okay fine I won't stayangry. Now it's time to sleep so come on both of you.)"

The brother sister duo nod in agreement and walk towards Siya's room first where Mahi tucks her into bed before joining his wife in their own bedroom.

~~~~~~~

It was after dinner time, the night before Siya and Mahi's birthday when Sakshi found her husband decorating their living room.

Sakshi says in an amused tone, "You know I've never seen little kids look so excited about their birthdays."

Mahi replies, "It's Gudiya's first birthday with us. I have to make it as special as possible."

Sakshi says, "I think it'll be Siya's first birthday party if I'm being honest."

Mahi's face falls as he replies, "Gudiya ne kitne saari cheeze miss ki hai na? Humko toh shayad sab kuch pata bhi nahi hoga abhi. (Gudiya must have missedout on so many thing? We probably don't even know everything.)"

Sakshi hugs her husband and says, "Iske baare me mat socho abhi. Ab hum hai na Siyu ki life me so we'll ensure that she doesn't miss out on anything. Let's finish this off quickly nahi toh hum kal subah usko surprise nahi kar paayenge. (Don't think about thisnow. Now that we are in Siya's life, we'll make sure that she doesn't miss outon anything. Let's finish this off quickly otherwise we won't be able tosurprise her in the morning.)"

Mahi nods and together they finish putting up the decorations before going to bed, but not before Mahi sets an alarm for the next day.

~~~~~~~

Siya was sleeping peacefully in her bed when she suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to her.

She slowly started waking up and saw her brother sitting next to her who says, "Good morning Gudiya"

Smiling widely, Siya replies, "Good morning Bhaiya"

Mahi softly caresses her face and says, "Janam din ki bahut saari shubh kaamnaye. Aaj meri Gudiya ek aur saal badi ho gayi hai. (Many-many happy returnsof the day. Today my Gudiya has turned a year older.)"

Siya smiles and replies, "Aapko bhi Bhaiya. Koi special plan hai kya aapka birthday manane ke liye? (Same to you Bhaiya. Doyou have any special plan to celebrate your birthday?)"

Mahi playfully pulls her nose and says, "Aaj hum Gudiya ki pasand ki cheeze karenge. Ab mujhe yeh batao ki tum normally kya karti ho apne birthday pe. (Today we'll do whateveryou want. Now tell me what you normally do on your birthday.)"

Siya makes a face at her nose being pulled before she replies, "Mere liye toh normal sa hi din hota tha. Aap batao na ki aap kya karte ho? (It used to be a normalday for me. Now you tell me what you do?)"

Mahi's smile disappears momentarily, when he discovers that his worst fears were coming true, before he smiles again and says, "Pehle toh mere birthday pe Maa aur Didi milke mere liye chocolate ya cake laate the. Fir Papa ke saath hum sab mandir jaate the aashirwaad lene. Uske baad dosto ke saath kuch masti kar lete the. (First Maa and Didi usedto get me a chocolate or a cake. Then with Papa we used to go to the temple toget some blessings. After that I used to have some fun with my friends.)"

(Actually, I used to follow this tradition of visiting a temple to get blessing on my birthday until a few years back. I even remember going to the temple early in the morning before school. If for some reason we couldn't go to a temple, I used to join my hands in front of the temple at home just to get some blessings.)

Siya innocently asks, "Toh kya aaj hum aapke favourite mandir jaa sakte hai (So can we go to yourfavourite temple today)?"

Mahi chuckles lightly and replies, "Of course. Maine kaha na ki aaj jo bhi tum chaaho wohi hoga. Aaj toh poora haq hai tumhara hukum karne ka. (I told you that todaywe'll do whatever you want. Today it's your right to give orders.)"

Just then Sakshi retorts, "Yeh toh sirf aaj ke liye reserved nahi hai Mr Dhoni. Roz ka hi hai aapka toh ki Siya ne kuch kaha nahi ki woh karne nikal padte hai. (This isn't reservedjust for today Mr. Dhoni. It's an everyday thing for you to do whatever Siyasays.)"

Siya giggles while her brother shoots his wife an annoyed look.

Sakshi ignores her husband and gives her little sister a hug and says, "Happy Birthday Siyu. Ab chalo jaldi se uth ke taiyaar ho jaao agar mandir jaana hai toh (Now get up quickly andget ready to go to the temple)."

Mahi adds, "Haan jaldi se taiyaar ho jaao kyuki Maa aur Papa bhi aate hi honge. Unke aane se pehle taiyaar ho jaao warna Papa ka toh tumhe pata hi hai. (Yes get ready quickly becauseMaa and Papa will be here soon. Let's get ready before they come other you knowPapa.)"

Siya's eyes widen as she understands what her brother was implying before she quickly runs to the bathroom.

Sakshi gives her husband a look and says, "Zara aap bhi taiyaar hone ka kasht kare. Papa aapko bhi nahi chhodenge chaahe aapka bhi birthday kyu naa ho. (Now you also take thetrouble to get ready. It's not like Papa will spare you today regardless of thefact that it's your birthday.)"

Mahi gives his wife a mock salute before running to his own room to get ready while Sakshi places a set of new clothes for their sister and goes to complete her morning chores.

~~~~~~~

Soon the brother-sister duo join Sakshi in the kitchen for breakfast after which Mahi takes the birthday girl to the room that they had decorated for her.

Siya looks at the decorations around the room and tears start filling up in her eyes.

Mahi immediately makes his way to his little sister when he sees her tears and asks, "Kya hua Gudiya? Yeh achha nahi laga kya? (What happened Gudiya?You didn't like this?)"

Siya just shakes her head as he continues, "Party shaam ko hai toh agar yeh achha nahi laga toh hum sab change kar denge. Gudiya tu bas bata ki tujhe kya chahiye. (The party is in theevening so if you don't like this then we'll change it. You just tell us whatyou want.)"

Sakshi places a hand on her husband's shoulder and says, "Mahi, at least let her say something. Siya ne nahi kaha ki usko yeh decorations nahi pasand aaye (Siya never said thatshe didn't like the decorations)."

Siya hugs her brother and replies, "Bhaiya, mujhe yeh sab bahut pasand aaya. Aap bilkul bhi kuch change mat karna. (Bhaiya, I really likedall this. Please don't change anything.)"

Mahi immediately asks, "Toh ro kyu rahi hai meri Gudiya (Then why are youcrying)?"

Siya smiles and replies, "Aap dono ne mere liye itna sab kiya hai na toh bas wohi dekh ke aankhe bhar aayi (You both did so muchfor me and seeing that my eyes started welling up). Nobody ever made so much effort to make my birthday special and I just got overwhelmed."

Mahi kisses his sister's forehead and says, "Ab aise celebrations ki aadat daal le. Team ke baaki log bhi saath me hue toh isse bhi zyaada cheeze ho jaayengi. (Now get used to suchcelebrations. When the rest of the team is around, then they'll go even moreoverboard.) We will always do something special to celebrate your birthday no matter what."

Siya hugs her Bhabhi and asks, "Toh ab hum mandir chale (So now can we go to thetemple)?"

Sakshi replies, "Maa aur Papa bas aate hi honge toh unka wait kar lete hai fir nikalenge hum sab (Let's just wait for ourparents and then we'll leave)."

Just then the doorbell rings and the birthday duo practically run to the door leaving Sakshi being shaking her head at her two crazy kids, one physically and the other mentally.

Devaki Maa is bombarded with hugs at the door, while her husband sarcastically asks, "Darwaaze pe milne ka iraada hai kya ya andar bhi ghusne doge (Do you plan on lettingus enter or are we staying at the door only)?"

The birthday kids sheepishly rub the back of their necks while his mother replies, "Aaj ke din toh bechare bachhe ko chhod dijeeye. Humko dekh kar khush hai dono aur aap aise bol rahe hai. (At least spare him today.They're just happy to see us and you're speaking like this.)"

Siya excitedly says, "Hum aap dono ka hi wait kar rahe the. Ab chalo sab saath me mandir hoke aate hai. (We were waiting for youtwo only. Now come on let's go to the temple.)"

Devaki Maa gives her son a questioning look so Mahi replies, "Gudiya ko mandir jaake aashirwaad lena hai jaise main bhi jaya karta tha pehle. Aap dono ke aane ke baad hi nikalenge yeh bola tha toh kaafi der se yeh aapka intazaar kar rahi thi. (Gudiya wants to go tothe temple we used to go to. We were going to leave after you both came so she'sbeen waiting for quite some time now.)"

Sakshi offers their parents some water and sweets after which Siya impatiently asks, "Toh kya hum abhi chal sakte hai (Can we leave now)?"

Mahi chuckles lightly and replies, "Ha abhi hum chal sakte hai. Jao aur driver ko bol do ki woh gaadi nikal le. (Yes, we can leave now.Go and tell the driver to get the car ready.)"

Sakshi asks, "Mahi mandir walo se baat nahi karni hai kya jaane se pehle (Mahi shouldn't you talkto the people in charge at the temple first)?"

Mahi replies, "Maine pehle ki baat karli thi. Bas ab time confirm karna hai toh saare arrangements ho jaayenge. (I already had a chatwith them before. I just need to confirm the time and all the arrangements willbe made.)"

Siya hugs and kisses her brother's cheek after which she says, "You're the best Bhaiya."

Sakshi was about to retort but the little girl quickly runs out to meet their driver to avoid her Bhabhi's upcoming complain session.

Mahi can't help but chuckle as his wife mutters, "Yeh ladki bilkul apne Bhai pe gayi hai. Shakal se shareef lekin harkato se ek number ki khurafaati hai. (This girl is just likeher brother. She only looks innocent but she's extremely mischievous.)"

Pan Singh whacks his son's head and says, "Tareef nahi ho rahi hai teri idhar (Nobody is praising youhere)."

Devaki Maa replies, "Ab bas ho gaya. Chalo jaldi se warna Siya halla machaane lagegi ki late ho raha hai. (That's it now. Let's leavequickly otherwise Siya will start getting even more impatient.)"

Everyone nods in agreement and walks out to find Siya bouncing impatiently as she was waiting for them.

Mahi ushers everyone into the car, pulling Siya in his lap to try and contain her excitement, before calling the temple authorities to inform them about their arrival.

~~~~~~~

The Dhoni family is greeted by the temple police force who help them navigate their way into the premises without being too bothered by the crowd.

Siya excitedly waves to a few people that call out to them while Mahi simply adores his little sister before joining her in acknowledging a few of his fans.

Everyone was happy that Siya's first visit to the temple was going well as they soon completed their darshan before making their way back to their car.

While coming back to the car, Mahi picked his little sister in his arms because she had insisted on wanting to see more of the crowd.

Sakshi had tried to protest by bringing up her husband's back issues, but Mahi shushed her and went about his way to fulfil his Gudiya's wishes.

Devaki Maa simply shakes her head while Sakshi mutters about not helping him with his back pain later.

They soon make it back to their car where Mahi and Siya give one last wave to the crowd before getting in.

On their way back home, Siya excitedly tells their parents about the decorations that her Bhaiya and Bhabhi had done for the celebrations in the evening.

Devaki Maa asks, "Mahi, agar apni behen ko itna dulaar karte ho, toh tumhari agar beti hui toh uska kya hoga (Mahi if you pamper yoursister so much then what will happen if you have a daughter)?"

Sakshi replies, "Uss baat ka hi toh mujhe dar hai Maa. Siyu ka yeh haal hai toh usko toh sar pe chadha ke rakhega. (That's what I'm afraid ofMaa. If Siyu is pampered like this then our daughter will be treated like a princess.)"

Mahi retorts, "Toh galat kya isme? Meri Gudiya hai toh mujhe poora haq hai aise dulaar karna ka. (So what's wrong in that?She's my Gudiya so I have the right to pamper her.)"

Siya wraps her hands around her brother's neck and says, "Mere Bhaiya (My brother)"

Sakshi slaps her forehead and mutters, "Aa gayi Bhaiya ki chamchi (Bhaiya's supporter ishere)"

Devaki Maa chuckles lightly and says, "Achha ab bas bhi karo. Aaj shaam ka kya plan hai? (Okay that's enough.What is the plan for today evening?)"

Mahi replies, "Chittu cake laane wala hai aur shayad Didi bhi aayengi. Bas cake kaatenge aur gift kholenge. (Chittu is bringing thecake and Didi might be coming. We'll just cut the cake and open our gifts.)"

Siya perks up and asks, "Chocolate cake?"

Mahi replies, "Of course"

Sakshi retorts, "Tum dono Bhai-Behen ko uske alawa koi favour dikhta kahaan hai (It's not like youbrother-sister duo can see any other flavour)?"

Sensing another argument starting, Pan Singh sternly says, "Ab firse mat shuru ho jaao tum sab. Jisko jo bhi pasand hai usko wohi khaane do. (Now don't start again.Let them eat whatever they like.)"

Siya innocently replies, "Thank you Papa. Aap nahi hote toh Bhabhi firse humko chocolate flavour pasand karne ke liye chidhaati (If it wasn't for youthen Bhabhi would tease us for liking the chocolate flavour)."

Sakshi looks shocked at the accusation, while Siya and Mahi giggle together at her expressions.

They continue their usual bantering on the way back while Mahi smiles looking at how well his little sister was bonding with their entire family.

Siya was slowing feeling a lot more comfortable to even joke around them all on a regular basis.

It did however amaze him to see how his Gudiya interacted with their father, despite being afraid of him at times just like him.

~~~~~~~

Soon it was close to the time of the party and Mahi's friends had arrived with the birthday cake.

Sakshi insisted on a small photoshoot with the birthday babies before cutting the cake and in the meantime their Jaya Di also joined them with her husband.

Mahi connected with all his brothers on video call since they had insisted on it, before bringing out the cake with his best friend.

The ladies made both the kids stand with a cake as Sakshi clicked even more pictures and everyone got ready to sing for them.

Mahi sees his wife continuously clicking pictures and says, "Ab bas bhi karo Sakshi. Phone rakho side me aur enjoy karo sabke saath. (That's enough Sakshi.Put the phone aside and enjoy with everyone.)"

Sakshi replies, "Siyu ka pehla birthday hai hamare saath (This is Siyu's first birthdaywith us). Let me document this."

Siya smiles brightly seeing all the love in everyone's eyes for her before Jaya Di says, "Achha ab dono bachho phook maaro aur fir cake kaato. Baaki sab log gaana start karo. (Okay now both kids blowout the candles. Everyone else start singing.)"

Mahi and his Gudiya blow out their own candles before Siya cut the cake with some help from her Bhaiya while everyone else sings 'Happy Birthday' for them.

They feed each other a piece of cake before running to feed their parents followed by everyone else.

Dada says, "Sakshi, zara gifts toh nikalo inke. Hum bhi toh dekhe ki dono ko gift kaise lage. (Sakshi, just remove theirgifts. We want to see how they feel about their gifts.)"

Siya looks confused while Mahi replies, "Dada, gifts ki kya zaroorat thi? Aap sab log aise hi involve ho gaye toh kaafi hai. (Dada, what was the needfor gifts? You all being involved like this is enough for us.)"

Jammy Bhai jokingly asks, "Mahi, har saal yehi bolte-bolte thak nahi gaya tu (Mahi, don't you gettired of saying this every year?)?"

Sachin Paaji adds, "Aur har saal hamara jo jawaab hota hai ki iss baat pe hum koi behes nahi sunenge woh bhi toh hai hi. (And every year ouranswer is always that we don't want any arguments about this.)"

Yuvi interjects, "Arre isse toh yaad aaya ki Mahi ka pehla birthday hum sab ne kaise manaaya tha. Siya, tere Bhaiya ne toh yeh story pakka nahi batayi hogi tujhe. (This reminds me of howwe celebrated Mahi's first birthday with us. Siya, I'm sure your brother nevertold you this story.)"

Mahi sternly says, "Koi zaroorat nahi hai yeh discuss karne ki (That's not necessary)"

Sonu replies, "Kyu na discuss kare iske baare me? Siya ko bhi toh pata chale ki uske pyaare Bhaiya bhi kabhi bewakoofi kiya karte the. (Why shouldn't wediscuss that? Siya should know about her brother's stupidity.)"

Jaya Di says, "Arre zaroor batao Siya ko. Bahut hi zaroori hai yeh toh. (Definitely tell Siya.This is very important.)"

Mahi whines, "Yaar aap meri Didi ho ya inki (Are you my sister ortheirs)?"

Sakshi replies, "Obviously aapki hi hai. Warna sabko aapki pol kholne ke liye thodi na bolti. (Obviously yours. Otherwiseshe wouldn't let them share this story of yours.)"

Mahi shoots his wife and his older sister betrayed looks as they share a high five.

Siya notices this after which she hugs her brother and says, "Ab koi bhi Bhaiya ko pareshaan nahi karega (Now no one will troubleBhaiya)"

Virat innocently replies, "Lekin Siyu, mujhe toh yeh story sunne ka man hai. Please Yuvi Pa ko share karne do na. (But Siyu, I wanted tohear this story. Please let Yuvi Pa share it.)"

Siya thinks for a moment before looking at her brother who simply sighs and nods.

Sonu cheers and says, "Yuvi Pa, aap aaram se batao kya hua tha (Yuvi Pa, you can tellthe story now)"

Yuvi Pa asks, "Mahi, tu sach me maan gaya (Mahi, did you reallyagree)?"

Mahi replies, "Option kahaan chhoda hai tum sab ne. Ab bata hi de. (It's not like you guysgave me an option. Now just tell them.)"

Yuvi smiles triumphantly and says, "Achha toh yeh bhai sahab ko mushkil se chhe-aath mahine hue the team ko join kiye hue jab inka birthday aaya. Team me kissi ko bhi nahi pata tha kyuki Mahi tab kaafi kam baat karta tha. (Now this is from thetime when Mahi had barely been in the team for about six-eight months when hisbirthday came around. No one in the team knew because Mahi didn't speak muchback then.)"

Dada decides to join in and says, "Birthday wale din pe toh normal se bhi zyaada shaant ho gaya tha. Humko yeh pata nahi tha ki yeh mahashay apne ghar walo ko miss kar rahe the aur hum sab pareshaan ki achanak se yeh kya hua iss ladke ko. (On the day of his birthdayhe was more silent than usual. We didn't know this but this boy was missing hisfamily and we all were worried trying to figure out what happened to him.)"

Sachin Paaji adds, "Poochne par bhi yeh ladka kuch nahi bata raha tha humko. Fir by chance Jammy ne iski file dekhi toh pata chala ki aaj toh iska birthday hai. (He didn't even tell usupon asking. Then by chance Jammy saw his file and that's how we found that itwas his birthday)"

Sonu replies, "Yeh sunke toh Yuvi Pa pehle toh gussa hue ki aise kaise nahi bataya fir unko yeh tension hone lagi ki party plan karne ka time nahi tha (After listening to thisYuvi Pa was angry first because no one told him then he was worried that therewasn't enough time to plan a party.)."

Jammy Bhai adds, "Mahi ki kismat achhi thi ki maine chhoti si party ke liye mana liya Yuvi ko. Warna agle din Dada ki party ko aur grand karne ka plan ban raha tha jisse dono birthday saath me manaaye jaaye. (Mahi was lucky that Imanaged to convince him for a small party. Otherwise the plan was to makeDada's party the next day even more grand to celebrate both the birthdays.)"

Mahi looks surprised and says, "Yeh toh mujhe bhi nahi pata tha (I didn't know aboutthis). Thank you, Jammy Bhai."

Virat cheekily replies, "Very bad Bhai. Aap humko sab cheeze share karne bolte ho kyuki kisi ko bhi apna birthday akele nahi manana chahiye aur aap khud aise kaam kar chuke ho (You tell us to shareeverything because you never want anyone to be alone on their birthday and youyourself have done this)."

Sonu interjects, "Iss wajah se hi toh woh rule bana tha. Mahi ne yehi seekha tha uss din aur fir yeh ek strict rule bhi ban gaya ki birthday sabse pehle batana chahiye naye players ko. Aise kaarnaame baar-baar nahi hone chahiye na. (This was why that rulewas made. Mahi learnt this and then made a strict rule to share your birthday first.Such things shouldn't happen again and again.)"

Siya says, "Exactly Cheeku Bhaiya. Aap mere Bhaiya ko pareshaan mat karo abhi (You stop troubling myBhaiya now)."

Virat retorts, "Oye, woh mere bhi Bhai hai (Oye, he's my brother also)"

Mahi sternly says, "Cheeku"

Virat pouts and replies, "Achha theek hai aur kuch nahi bol raha. Lekin ab aap dono gifts toh kholo. (Okay I won't sayanything now. But now both of you open your gifts.)"

Sakshi quickly brings out all the gifts and one by one both the birthday kids open them before thanking the sender.

Siya was just about to open a gift when she noticed her Bhabhi's name on it and asks, "Bhabhi, aapne toh pehle hi mujhe gift diya tha toh yeh kya hai (Bhabhi, you alreadygave me a gift so what is this)?"

Sakshi who was recording this particular moment replies, "Yeh na ek special gift hai dono birthday babies ke liye. Mahi ko bhi nahi pata hai iske baare me. (This is a special giftfor both the birthday babies. Mahi also doesn't know about this)"

Mahi also looks intrigued as his sister opens the gift slowly to reveal a brand new mobile phone.

Siya looks confused so Sakshi explains, "This is so that you can talk to your Bhaiya at all times. Mahi normally toh phone nahi uthaate hai apna toh yeh alag phone hai tumhare liye jiski ek special ringtone hogi. Yeh ringtone se Mahi ko pehle hi pata chal jaayega ki unki Gudiya ka call hai aur fir hopefully woh phone utha lenge. (Mahi normally doesn't pickup his phone so this separate phone has a special ringtone. From this ringtoneMahi will know that his Gudiya is calling and hopefully then he'll pick it uphimself.)"

Dada says, "Yeh ek dum sahi gift diya hai tumne. Kam se kam ab toh Mahi kissi ka phone uthaayega. BCCI ne special phone diya tha meeting schedule karne ke liye isko lekin majaal kya jo Mahi koi bhi phone time se utha le. (This is an excellentgift. At least now Mahi might pick up someone's phone. BCCI gave a specialphone to him for scheduling meeting but Mahi still doesn't pick up that phoneon time.)"

Sonu replies, "Aur Siya mera bhi number add karlo jisse agar kabhi hamare kaptaan sahab aapka phone na uthaya toh mujhe bata dena (And Siya add my numberalso so that if our dear captain doesn't pick up then you can tell me)."

Virat adds, "Arre Bhavesh ka hi nahi mera bhi number add kar lena. Hum dono usually phone check kar lete hai jab free hote hai toh. (Not just Bhavesh, addmine also. We both usually check our phones when we're free)"

Mahi gives his brother a look before picking up his next gift which appeared to be a handmade card.

Siya watches her brother's expressions as he carefully caresses the front of the card before opening and reading its contents.

Mahi smiles fondly before gesturing for his sister to come to him and pulling her in for a tight hug.

Siya softly asks, "Did you like it?"

Mahi smiles and replies, "I love it. Yeh mera favourite gift hai (This is my favouritegift). Thank you for making this."

Siya says, "Hamare sab Bhaiyon ne bhi meri help ki thi. Aur dekho aapki favourite chocolate bhi rakhi hai maine. (All of our brothershelped me. And see I even kept your favourite chocolate)"

Mahi chuckles lightly and asks, "Tumko kisne bataya ki yeh meri favourite hai (Who told you that this wasmy favourite)?"

Siya cutely replies, "Dada ne bataya aur Bhabhi ne laane me help ki (Dada told me and Bhabhihelped me get it)"

Mahi pulls his sister in for another hug and says, "Main yeh card apne agle tour pe saath me leke jaaunga. Ab chalo apna last gift kholo. (I'll take this cardwith me during my next tour. Now open your last gift.)"

Siya opens her last present to find a jersey inside and gives her brother a look.

Mahi chuckles and says, "Nikal kar dekho theek se (Remove it and look atit properly)"

Siya removes the jersey and realises that there were two of them, one for CSK and one for India, in her size.

Mahi decides to explain his gift, "Ab match ke time pe tumhe meri jersey nahi pehenni padegi jo tumhare liye bahut zyaada hi badi hoti hai (Now during matches you don'tneed to wear my super big jerseys)."

Siya asks, "Main aapko India ke liye khelne ke time bhi dekhne aa sakti hu (I can also come see youplay for India)?"

Mahi replies, "Well jab kabhi bhi Sakshi aayegi tab definitely tum bhi aa sakti ho. Har tour pe toh nahi aa sakti ho but kabhi kabaar toh definitely aa sakti ho. Aur waise agar possible ho toh women ka bhi match dekhe jaa sakti ho. (Well, whenever Sakshicomes for a match you can join in. Now I can't take you guys to every tour but sometimesyou can definitely come. And also, if possible, you can go for the women's team'smatches as well.)"

Siya excitedly jumps on her brother and kisses his cheek as a thank you.

~~~~~~~

The rest of the party consists of Siya telling everyone about her day until her brother announces that it was time for bed.

The little girl obediently walks towards her room after bidding everyone farewell.

As her brother tucks her in bed, Siya says, "Thank you for making my day so special Bhaiya. Pehli baar apna birthday celebrate karke bahut hi achha laga (This is the first timethat I felt good by celebrating my birthday)."

Mahi kisses her forehead and replies, "Mujhe bahut khushi hai ki tumhe yeh sab pasand aaya. Har saal hum zaroor kuch na kuch karenge tumhara birthday manane ke liye toh iski aadat daal lo. (I'm also happy that youliked all this. Every year we will definitely do something to celebrate yourbirthday so get used to this.)"

Siya nods and says, "Good night, Bhaiya. I love you."

Mahi smiles and replies, "Good night Gudiya. Bhaiya loves you too."

~~~~~~~

So how was this special birthday celebration?

PS: This year I'm actually celebrating my first birthday away from home (and sort of alone as well). It's a weird feeling but it most probably will only be temporary.

Let me know what you guys think ✍🏻

Please vote ⭐