14|

Author’s POV

It was her first day back at school after two days of unbearable cramps and emotional exhaustion.

Ritika had kissed her forehead thrice before she stepped out.Rohit had carried her bag to the car himself.Ahaan had simply said from the backseat:

> “Tu khud sambhal le. Mujhe late ho raha hai.”

He didn’t mean it. But it stung.

Samaira didn’t say anything.

She reached school, walked in, and pasted a smile on her face.

But her heart?Still heavy.

---

Break Time — Cafeteria

She sat with Tanisha, Vihaan, Aarav, and Nirbhay — her safe space.

She was sipping her juice quietly when she heard it.

A senior girl at a nearby table, not whispering at all:

> “You know some people just give away their own kids and then bring them back like toys later.”

Another voice chimed in:

> “If my parents left me and came back 13 years later, I’d never forgive them. But I guess charity cases don’t get choices.”

Samaira’s throat dried up.

The voices weren’t even saying her name —but they didn’t need to.

Her heart knew.

She stood up suddenly.

Tanisha blinked, “Samaira?”But she was already walking out.

Not fast.But stiff.Like something inside her cracked.

---

Girls’ Washroom

She slid to the ground, her back against the cold tiled wall.

Her breathing turned jagged.

Not because what they said was fully true —She knew now that Rohit Sharma was her real father.She knew they hadn’t wanted to let her go.But still…

> “Why didn’t anyone fight for me sooner?”“Why was I sent away at all?”

She clutched her chest. Her lungs felt like they were closing in.

---

Ahaan

The moment he heard she had a breakdown in the washroom —he dropped everything and ran.

People stared. He didn’t care.

His little sister — the one who called him “bhaiya” now — was hurting. And he knew that kind of pain.

Washroom

He tapped the door, voice shaking.

> “Samaira? It’s me.”

No reply.

> “Samaira please… open the door. Just look at me once. Please.”

He opened the door slowly.

And there she was.

Curled in the corner. Eyes red. Hands shaking. Her nails digging into her arms.

> “Why didn’t they keep me… bhaiya?” she whispered when she saw him.

He froze.

Then walked in, dropped to his knees, and pulled her to him.

> “They didn’t have a choice, sammy.”“They never stopped loving you.”“And main toh tujhse pehle hi late mil gaya… ab nahi jaa raha.”

She wept silently on his shoulder.

> “It hurts bhaiya… It hurts even when I know the truth.”

Ahaan gently stroked her hair.

> “Because wounds don’t care about logic, Sammy. But I’ll help you heal. Every time.”

And that day, something soft was born between them.

Author’s POV — Samaira’s First Public Appearance

For the first time…she wasn’t hiding.

No cap.No hoodie.No tinted car windows.

Today, Samaira Sharma — Rohit Sharma’s daughter — was stepping into the world.

The air outside Wankhede Stadium was thick with excitement.Cameras clicked wildly. Fans screamed. Reporters shoved mics forward.

But in the middle of all that chaos…

Walked a thirteen-year-old girl.

Soft cream crop top. Pale blue jeans. Loose curls framing her slightly anxious face.Holding Ritika Sharma’s hand… walking just one step behind Ahaan Sharma, the national school crush and cricket prodigy.

---

The Flashbulbs Went Wild

> “WHO’S THAT?”“IS THAT HIS DAUGHTER??”“SAMAAAAAIRA LOOK HERE!!”“FIRST TIME EVER!!”“OH MY GOD SHE’S SO PRETTY!”“SHE LOOKS LIKE A MINI RITIKA!”

Samaira blinked under the sudden bursts of light.Her grip on Ritika’s hand tightened.

Ritika leaned down softly.

> “Bas seedha dekhte rehna, beta. I’m right here.”

Samaira gave a small nod, shoulders stiff, eyes unsure.But the moment they entered the VIP enclosure, the chants began.

> “ROHHHHHITTTTTTTTT!!”“HITMAN! HITMAN!”

And in that sea of screaming love…Samaira saw something she wasn’t prepared for:

Every poster, every flag, every face — was for him.

> “Rohit Sharma – The King Returns.”“Captain. Father. Legend.”“#PrideOfIndia #HitmanForever”

Her throat tightened.Not from jealousy.Not from fear.

From pride.

---

She Sat Quietly Between Ahaan and Ritika

Her fingers curled together in her lap.

Not posed.Not for the camera.Just natural. Almost instinctive.

Fingers crossed.

The same way Ritika used to sit.

---

Social Media Blew Up Instantly

> 🩵 “She’s never been seen before and just LOOK at her.”🩶 “Mini Ritika vibes but with Rohit’s eyes 😭”👑 #SamairaSharma💫 #SharmaPrincessGoesPublic📸 “She didn’t smile. She didn’t wave. She just existed — and stole the show.”

---

Later That Night

She curled beside Ritika on the bed.

> “Mumma… it was scary.”

Ritika kissed her forehead gently.

> “But you did it.”

And from the doorway, Rohit added with a proud smile:

> “And sabko bas tu hi dikh rahi thi, laado.”

Samaira smiled shyly… cheeks flushing pink.

And whispered…

> “Papa… next time aapke liye sign le jaungi.”

Rohit was silent for a second.Then walked forward, cupped her face, and said:

> “Tujhse badi trophy mere life mein kuch nahi.”

Author’s POV – Sharma Residence | 12:00 AM | Ahaan’s Birthday

The lights were dim. Fairy lights blinked on the walls.Ritika walked softly into Ahaan’s room with Rohit right beside her — a small cake in her hands, decorated with chocolate shavings and a single candle.

Samaira was already inside, having just hugged Ahaan and whispered a sweet, emotional “Happy birthday bhaiya…”

But the moment Ritika saw him…Her steps froze.

Her son. Her Ahaan. 18.

Wearing a hoodie, hair slightly messy, taller than her now. But in that one second, Ritika didn’t see the grown-up boy…

She saw that same little baby, crying in her arms in the hospital.She saw the toddler clinging to her saree.She saw the 8-year-old who once declared, “Main aapse kabhi door nahi jaunga Mumma!”

And now…

> “Mumma… kya hua?” Ahaan asked softly.

Ritika’s lips trembled. Her vision blurred. The candle flickered. Her heart did that annoying mumma-thing — where it melted into a puddle.

> “Tu... tu 18 ho gaya...” she whispered.

Then came the tears.Raw. Quiet. Shattering.

She handed the cake to Rohit, walked straight to Ahaan and cupped his face with both hands — her thumbs gently brushing his cheekbones.

> “Mujhe yaad hai… 18 saal pehle… raat ke 2:17 pe tu aaya tha. Sabse zyada rone waala baby…”

> “Aur aaj… tu itna bada ho gaya…”

Ahaan's own eyes welled up.

> “Mumma… please don’t cry yaar…”His voice cracked, “Aap roti ho toh… main bhi control nahi kar pata.”

Ritika leaned her forehead against his chest, hugging him tightly.

> “Main proud hoon tujhpe. Bohot zyada. Tu mere liye sirf mera beta nahi hai… tu meri jaan hai, Ahaan.”

Ahaan was quiet for a moment… and then hugged her back, full force.His chin rested on her shoulder.His arms around her like he was still that little boy.

And then—just softly—he whispered:

> “Main hamesha aapka rahunga, Mumma. Hamesha.”

Behind them, Rohit wiped his eyes sneakily, muttering:

> “Drama king aur queen dono mere hi ghar mein hain…”

Samaira giggled quietly, eyes shiny.

> “You all are emotional disasters.”

Ritika turned around, laughing through her tears and pulled Samaira into the hug too.

> “Ab toh tu bhi meri beti hai. Aaj se double drama.”

Samaira: “Main toh pehle se drama hoon.”

Rohit walked over and wrapped his arms around all three.

> “Kya mast parivaar bana hai humne… ek number.”

---

CLICK.Ritika’s face still pressed to Ahaan’s chest.Samaira squeezed in between them, holding Ritika’s hand.Rohit, grinning with moist eyes, clicked the picture.

📸 Caption later on Rohit’s Instagram:

> “Eighteen years of love. Of madness. Of pride.of you. Happy birthday, to our little baby who is now not so little.♥️🥹”

We are so proud of u especially the man you're becoming and the way you are being the best bhaiya samaira could ever ask for!🤍🧿

Caption in ritika's instagram:

Happiesttt birthdayyyy to my little babyboy who is now more taller than me! But I will alwaysssss miss the little boy who used to come to me and say "mummmaaa aap hi ho meri girlfriend"

Love you so much!so so grateful to have you baby♥️😌

Author’s POV – Next Morning, Sharma Residence

It was a bright, lazy morning… well, at least for everyone except the Sharma household, which had officially turned into a paparazzi warzone.

The doorbell hadn’t stopped ringing, the maid dropped her third glass, and Samaira was basically hiding behind the fridge.

Downstairs, Ritika sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone, eyes wide.

> “Rohitttttttttt!”

Rohit came out of the kitchen with his protein shake.

> “Kya hua ab—”

> “Dekho toh zaraaa… yeh ladkiyon ke captions padhe hain? ‘I’d sell my kidney to touch Ahaan Sharma’s shoelaces’?!!”

Rohit choked on his shake.

> “KYA?!”

Samaira popped her head from behind the fridge.

> “Kidney toh chhodo, someone literally offered her CAT to marry him.”

Ritika turned the screen to show him:

> “If Ahaan Sharma breathes, I fall in love again.”“Sharma blood hits different fr.”“Ahaan bhaiya? NAH. Ahaan baby.”

Rohit’s eyebrows twitched.

> “Bhaiya toh sirf Sammy ko kehne ka right hai.”

> “Aur yeh ‘baby’ kya hota hai, haan? Main baby nahi lagta kya?”

Ritika giggled.

> “Tum toh forever baby ho mere.”

Samaira gagged.

> “Okay EW. I’m going back behind the fridge.”

---

Ahaan’s Room – Gen Z Chaos

Ahaan was lying on his bed like a starfish(shirtless🌚😋), phone buzzing non-stop.

> 8174 DMs.2134 story replies.47 “Hey Ahaan, long time na?” texts from girls he hadn’t spoken to since 6th grade.

Reyaansh had texted:

> “Bhai tu trending mein hai. Aise toh actors bhi nahi hote.”

Ansh:

> “Samaira teri publicist lagti hai now. Poor girl.”

Ahaan sighed dramatically.

Just then—knock knock knock

Samaira barged in.Wearing his hoodie. Hair messy. Eyes judging.

> “Morning, birthday boy. Enjoying being Desh ka dulha?”

Ahaan groaned.

> “Please. Tell me I didn’t say anything embarrassing on live.”

Samaira smirked.

> “Nothing cringey. But when you hugged Mumma and teared up—half the country decided to be your therapist.”

He threw a pillow at her.

> “You’re just jealous,” he teased.

Samaira blinked.

> “Of what? Having ten thousand girlfriends with the IQ of boiled rice?”

> “No thanks, I like peace.”

---

Downstairs – Breakfast Table

Ritika was still teary-eyed.Rohit sipped his tea like a villain watching the drama unfold.

Samaira joined them with toast.

> “Papa… are we gonna need Z security for bhaiya now?”

Rohit:

> “Beta, if one more girl sends marriage proposal, I’m changing his name to Ramesh Sharma.”

Ahaan: walks in proudly in sunglasses

Ritika: “Sunglasses?! Inside??”

Samaira:

> “Oh no… he’s fully infected.”

Rohit stands.

> “Ahaan beta… ye sunglasses nikaal le… warna ‘papa’ tujhe ek flying chappal dega.”

---

Author’s Note:

One night of birthday celebration.One morning of chaotic reality.Sharma house is not normal anymore.Ahaan is officially the Internet’s obsession.Samaira is two seconds away from calling the exorcist.And Rohit? He’s just done with Gen Z.

💫 Author’s POV – Later That afternoon (Ahaan's Birthday Outing)

It was supposed to be a quiet family outing.

Just Rohit, Ritika, Ahaan, and Samaira — celebrating the evening at an upscale café in Bandra.Just a calm dinner, some laughs, and good food.

BUT —the moment the car parked and Ahaan stepped out in his black shirt, wristwatch glinting in the light, messy hair perfectly imperfect — Mumbai’s wind itself paused.

And then—

Flash.Flash.Flash.

> “AHAAN SIR THIS WAY!”“HAPPY BIRTHDAY AHAAN!”“MA’AM ONE PICTURE WITH THE FAMILY!”“SAMAAIRA!! LOOK HERE!!”“ROHIT BHAI! A SMILE PLEASE!”

Samaira froze.

> “Papa... mujhe andar jaana hai... abhi,” she whispered.

Rohit immediately shielded her with his arm.

> “Haan, chalo,” he said firmly, his protective mode ON.

Ahaan, on the other hand? He was walking with practiced calmness — but inside, he was like:

> “Yeh kya ho raha hai mere saath.”

Girls on nearby tables squealed.

> “He’s here! HE’S REALLY HERE!”“Oh my god he’s hotter in real life.”“Is that his sister??”“No way he has a sister. She’s too cute, but he never posts her—”

One bold girl walked up, giggling.

> “Excuse me… Ahaan Sharma, right? I’m a huge fan… would you mind a selfie?”

Before Ahaan could even reply, Ritika stepped forward politely:

> “Sweetheart, it's his birthday dinner. Maybe let him enjoy it with family?”

The girl blushed, nodded, and backed off with her whole squad burning with jealousy at Samaira.

Samaira sipped her mocktail quietly, not making eye contact with anyone.

Rohit leaned toward her and whispered:

> “Laado… tu thik hai na?”

She nodded faintly. But her grip on the glass was tight.

---

🍰 Inside the Café – Table for Four

Ritika looked at Ahaan’s plate.

> “Khud ke birthday pe bhi salad le raha hai? Kya influencer ban gaya hai?”

Samaira smirked:

> “#EatCleanStayLeanBhaiyaa?”

Ahaan glared at her playfully.

> “You’re still grounded for that hashtag.”

She giggled, finally loosening up.

Suddenly, their waiter arrived — along with a tiny complimentary cake with “Happy 18th Ahaan” written.

And with it?

> “From the staff… and some fans.”

Ahaan sighed dramatically.

> “I need to fake my death.”

Rohit muttered, sipping coffee:

> “Too late. You’re already India ka damaad.”

Samaira choked on her drink.

---

📱 Instagram That Night:

> 📸 @spotlightmumbai:"Rohit Sharma & fam out celebrating Ahaan's birthday — and look who stole the spotlight again! 🔥"💬 @obsessedwithahaan:“WHO IS THE CUTE GIRL?? Is that his girlfriend or his SISTER???”💬 @ritika_sharmafan:“Okay but Ritika is such a queen for handling the crowd with grace 🔥👑”💬 @sharmafam_updates:“Samaira looked STUNNING. No makeup, no drama — just vibes.”💬 @papsarecrazy:“Rohit sir went full papa mode for Samaira. RESPECT.”

---

❤️ Author’s Note:

This wasn’t just a birthday dinner.It was the day Samaira realized:

> Fame doesn’t knock — it storms in.And Ahaan?Well, the birthday boy just got his first taste of being a walking heartbeat attack.