***
"Happy Birthday!!"
Many assorted voices wished me, each accompanied by a diverse range of expressions.
They were all people I was well familiar with- my two cheery friends and my husband's friends.
Naima and Ireen brought the strawberry cake up to my face, with a single little candle sitting in the middle for me to blow out.
The main hall was lightly decorated for easy removal, and dinner had been ordered to spare us from the work.
It had been oddly suspicious at the beginning when both my regular attending friends had missed university out of the blue.
Even my husband, who usually informed me, had quirkily run off with nothing but a single piece of toast for breakfast.
Now it was completely apparent.
They had prepared a surprise party for me. I could understand that it was partly Ireen's insinuation that had brought this plan together.
I took a small peek at the man beside me, who was busy handing out the cake slices with a proud look.
"Look, look! Ha-ha!! Yusuf has cake on him!"
Zayne cackled after smudging some frosting onto the defenceless Yusuf's face.
"This calls for a picture!"
Naima joked, going along with Zayne's antics.
"I dare you to do that."
Yusuf glared, and immediately, both of them faltered back into their seats.
He clicked his tongue and returned to engulfing his slice, not sparing another glance at anyone.
And amongst all the chaos, my gaze fell upon the peculiarly silent Ireen.
She was busy daydreaming, often committing theft to steal intrigued glances at the hot-tempered man.
Something was telling me that there was a juxtaposing air settling between them.
My suspicion only grew after Naima questioned them further.
"By the way, Yusuf, where did you go after Ireen left?"
Ireen slightly flinched at the remark.
"Nowhere."
He breathed out with a frown.
Zayne and Naima exchanged pleasant glances, as if confirming the fantasies and theories they had constructed in their heads.
The couple's vibes were similar to those of partners in crime, solely living off the drama and suspense surrounding them.
"Ah- let me do the dishes tonight."
"No." Haider smiled and replied. "How can I make you do that on your big day?"
I shared the smile as a form of thanking him and went back to enjoying the evening.
As the evening slowly came to an end, the lively chatter began to fade. Plates were cleared, the remaining cake was packed away, and one by one, everyone gathered their belongings.
The warmth that had filled the hall gradually settled into a quieter atmosphere.
After a few final exchanges and cheerful goodbyes, they eventually made their way towards the door.
"Thank you for coming," I said with a smile.
"Of course! We couldn't miss your birthday."
Soon, the door closed behind them, leaving the once-busy hall in a peaceful silence.
"Ufff."
Haider and I plopped down on the sofa after scraping off the last bits of decoration from the walls.
The lights were dimmed, and only the small lamps illuminated the room.
We sat side by side, and I gradually turned towards him, suddenly far too conscious of the man sitting inches away from me.
Why did his presence suddenly feel so noticeable?
Most likely because I was expecting something from him.
I could feel him beside me, returning the gaze I had once cast upon him, yet I refused to meet his eyes.
"Are you tired?"
His voice suddenly broke the quietness, his head tilting down to read my expression.
I gently shook my head and patted Lion on my lap.
"Then..." I faced him. "Mind following me?"
He spoke while rising from the sofa with a faint smile before making his way towards his door.
I wordlessly tailed behind him, unaware of his intentions or motives.
The door to his room clicked shut, and instantly, the soothing minty scent filled my nostrils.
He switched on only the light above his study table before gesturing for me to take a seat.
His pupils held a keen glint as his fingers slipped into the drawer and retrieved a small box.
He guided me towards the study chair while taking a seat on the edge of his bed, facing me with a pale smile.
My eyes immediately fell upon the little box in his hands.
It was small and neatly wrapped, resting carefully between his fingers.
I tilted my head, curiosity beginning to stir within me.
"What's that?"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he simply held it out towards me.
I hesitated for a moment before taking it from his hands.
The weight was almost non-existent, yet somehow, my heart seemed to grow heavier with anticipation.
I carefully lifted the lid.
And my body stiffened.
Nestled inside was a delicate necklace.
A tiny sunflower pendant rested at its centre, its petals arranged with exquisite detail. The soft golden tint caught the light from the lamp, making it appear as though a little piece of sunlight had been captured within the box.
My lips parted in surprise.
A sunflower.