Indhu's POV
It was mid-June of 10th grade, and I was buzzing with excitement.
My birthday was just around the corner—on the 16th.
I was turning fifteen, and for once, my thoughts weren't weighed down by the past.
I kept imagining the little things that made birthdays special…
wearing my favorite colored outfit to school,
walking in with chocolates,
and seeing my friends' smiles.
But then the school announced a sudden rule.
From 9th to 12th standard, we could no longer wear colored dresses—even on our birthdays.
My heart sank.
I tried to laugh it off in front of everyone, but inside, my excitement shattered.
I went home feeling heavy, and the silence inside me grew louder.
That day, I cried quietly in my room.
I couldn't hold it back anymore. Oh my god not again even though i feel like iam strong seems iam super sensitive inside.
When I finally told my mother, she didn't scold me.
She just sat beside me, brushed my hair gently, and said something that changed everything.
"Why don't we call your friends home and celebrate together?"
Those words felt like a warm light in a dark room.
Suddenly, I felt excitement again.
The next few days passed like a beautiful dream.
Since my birthday was on a Monday, Swetha invited Charlotte and me to her house on Saturday—just for the day.
From morning to evening, we laughed, talked, and made memories.
We watched a series called Life Gives You Tangerines—something I'd been eager to show Charlotte.
The story made us laugh, cry, and feel emotional at the climax.
It was one of those simple, beautiful days that stitched our friendship even tighter.
We clicked picked , played games and gosspied a little ..
On Sunday, I stayed at home, feeling a warm buzz of excitement.
Then Monday arrived—my birthday.
I woke up with a smile.
I wore my uniform, still a little sad that I couldn't wear my beloved Converse shoes or a birthday dress to school.
But I refused to let it ruin my day.
When I reached school, my friends greeted me with warm wishes.
I hugged charlotte and swetha because they stayed with me
It was my way of thanking them through a hug
I handed out special chocolates to Swetha, Charlotte, Rohan, and Aditya—those who had stood by me.
Aditya had forgotten at first, but he remembered when the class sang the birthday song.
The day passed with laughter and giggles, and even though I was in uniform, I felt special.
That evening, my parents hosted a small birthday celebration at home.
Charlotte and Swetha came, along with a few other close friends.
We played Who Knows Me Better, cut a chocolate truffle cake, and devoured pizza and homemade pasta—courtesy of my dad and mom.
I wore my favorite black dress—simple and elegant.
My friends complimented my glow, and for the first time in a long while, I didn't feel like the quiet girl burdened by the past.
That night, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time.
I felt celebrated.
I felt seen.
That day i was really scared because i never wanted our time together to end.