In the courtyard of a modest home, two pregnant women were sitting side by side, basking in the soft afternoon sun. Just a few steps away from them, a small two-year-old boy played joyfully in the dust, his laughter echoing like temple bells.
The first woman, gazing fondly at the boy, said,"Raghav looks so adorable, doesn't he, Chandrika? Like a little incarnation of Lord Ram…"
Chandrika smiled with pride, "Yes, Yamuna… I feel so blessed to have a son like Raghav. Since he came into my life, it feels as though all the happiness in the world has found its way to me."
Yamuna leaned back slightly and asked playfully, "So tell me, what do you wish for now—a boy or a girl?"
Chandrika chuckled, "If it's a girl, our family will feel complete. But I'm warning you—if you have a daughter, she's coming into my home."
Yamuna laughed, "And if I have a boy?"
Chandrika teased, "Then… my daughter will be yours."
Yamuna raised an eyebrow, "Alright, but what if we both have sons?"
Chandrika made a mock frown and scolded, "Why are you trying to crush my dreams before they even begin? Just wait and watch—you'll have a daughter, and she'll be my daughter-in-law! Come on, promise me—your daughter will be mine."
With a smile, Yamuna held Chandrika's hand and said warmly, "Promise. My daughter will always be yours."
And the two old friends burst into laughter, embracing each other in a moment that was filled with love and dreams of the future.
Yamuna and Chandrika weren't just friends; they had been inseparable since their college days, roommates in a hostel, partners in all kinds of youthful mischief. Both came from progressive families, which gave them the freedom to travel, study, and live life on their terms.
Chandrika, a spirited Bengali woman, had married for love—defying her family's wishes. Yamuna, on the other hand, had a traditional arranged marriage. By fate or fortune, they ended up living next door to each other after marriage too.
Some months later, destiny played its part—both gave birth around the same time. Chandrika delivered a boy just before midnight on 31st December at 11:59 PM, while Yamuna had a baby girl just two minutes later, on 1st January at 12:01 AM.
Their children were named together in a shared naming ceremony. As promised, Yamuna's daughter was engaged to Chandrika's son. They named the little girl Sia, to complement her would-be groom Raghav. And Chandrika, for reasons of her own, chose to call her son Kabir.
The two women were overjoyed—not only were they best friends and neighbors, but now they had become family too.
But not everyone shared their excitement.
Yamuna's husband, Raj, wasn't pleased with the match. A government employee with modest means, he felt uncomfortable promising his daughter to a wealthy household. He feared the expectations and social gap. But for the sake of his wife's happiness, he said nothing—choosing silence over confrontation.
Twelve Years Later...
It was a small but beautiful house—cozy, warm, and tastefully decorated. In the courtyard stood a swing, swaying lightly in the breeze. The house had three rooms, a hall, a kitchen—simple, yet full of love.
Inside, a 12-year-old girl in a pink frock fluttered around like a butterfly. In her hand was a doll, which she cradled lovingly as she walked into the kitchen, where her mother was busy preparing lunch.
"Maa," she said with a pout, "I want new books! I'm not taking that panda book anymore. Everyone laughs at me in school."
Yamuna looked at her daughter, Sia, and smiled at her innocence.
"But it was you who fought Kabir for that book, remember? What happened now?" she asked, half amused.
Still braiding her doll's hair with her tiny fingers, Sia huffed,"Maa, that kangaroo makes fun of me in front of the whole class! He says I don't have new books!"
Yamuna knelt slightly and gently explained,"Beta, you're not seeing how much Raghav loves you. He gave you the books that were meant for his own brother. Instead of feeling bad, you should tease Kabir that he doesn't get Raghav's books like you do."
Sia's eyes lit up, and she twirled with joy."You're right, Maa! Tomorrow, I'll tell that kangaroo that Raghav loves me more!"
Just then, Kabir entered the room—wearing blue half-pants and a yellow T-shirt. His hair was messy, his skin pale, his frame thin. He kept pulling up his loose shorts, looking adorably clumsy.
"Maa," he said sweetly, "your mom-in-law is calling you."
Yamuna smiled at him, "I'm coming, beta."
Before she could move, Sia stood in front of Kabir and teased,"Oye! You big-eyed kangaroo! Did you know Raghav loves me more!"
Kabir rolled his eyes, tugged at one of her braids, and replied,"He's my brother. He loves me more, you lizard!"
Sia grabbed his hair in retaliation,"No! He gave me his books! Did he ever give you any?"
As the tussle grew louder, Yamuna quickly stepped in to separate them,"Enough, you two! Why are you fighting again? And Kabir, your mom is calling—go now!"
Kabir gave Sia's braid one final tug and dashed out, while poor Sia burst into tears and clung to her mother.
"He always hits me, Maa…" she sobbed.
Yamuna wiped her daughter's nose gently, comforting her,"Don't cry, beta. I'll go and complain right now—he'll get a good scolding. You're my good girl, right? Now cheer up."
Still sniffling, Sia walked away to play with her neighbor and best friend, Radha.
Yamuna stepped out of her small home and crossed over to the neighboring house—an elegant mansion with a grand gate. Behind it lay a lush garden, blooming with vibrant flowers, and shaded by tall mango, neem, and banyan trees—all neatly trimmed and shaped.
Inside, the house spoke of wealth and taste. Expensive carpets, antique furniture, framed art on the walls—every corner whispered affluence.
As Yamuna entered, she saw Aman Ji stepping out. He was Chandrika's husband—a successful businessman who spent most of his time overseas.
Spotting her, Aman greeted warmly,"Ah, Yamuna behen! Welcome, welcome. How are you? How is Sia bitiya? And Raj bhai saheb?"
"All are well, bhaiya," Yamuna smiled, "And you? Long time no see."
Aman sighed dramatically,"What to say? This work keeps me hopping from one country to another. Not all of us have the peace of a government job like Raj bhai saheb. We barely get time to see our own families."
Just then, Chandrika appeared, wearing a traditional Bengali sari."Oh Yamuna! When did you arrive? And look at this man—didn't even offer you water or a seat!"
Aman chuckled,"Hey, I was just talking to her before you jumped in! Ask her yourself."
Yamuna laughed, taking Aman's side,"Don't scold him. He just got here—and you're already on his case."
Aman mock-sighed,"Exactly! No respect left for me in this house!"
Chandrika grinned,"Oh stop your drama! And you, Yamuna, you're my friend yet always take his side!"
Yamuna playfully pushed her,"Now leave these silly fights—tell me, why did you call me?"
Chandrika clapped her hands,"Oh come on! You forgot? Sia and Kabir's birthday is in two days! I called you to plan the party—not to do your aarti!"
Yamuna chuckled,"Oh right! I completely forgot. Thank God you reminded me. Let's throw them a surprise party this time!"
Aman raised his hand,"May I say something?"
Chandrika immediately cut him off,"No! Be quiet."
Yamuna giggled,"Let him speak yaar! Tell us, bhaiya—what is it?"
Aman cleared his throat,"Well, beautiful ladies, I was thinking—why not celebrate the birthday somewhere outside this time? I'm honestly bored of the same old home party every year."
Yamuna shook her head,"No, no, Raj won't agree. And anyway, what's wrong with celebrating at home?"
Even Chandrika agreed,"She's right. We'll keep the plan at home this time. No outings."
Aman pouted,"No one values my opinions anymore…"
Yamuna was about to respond, but Chandrika pulled her by the hand and said,"Oh leave him be. He's like this every day."
And with that, the two old friends disappeared into the inner rooms, ready to plan another beautiful celebration for their children, just like old times.