A flame in the Storm

Chapter 1

9 months before

The sound of a utensil falling woke me up from sleep. Searching for my phone in the darkness of the room, I saw the time, it was 11.50. Mom and dad would be fast asleep by now . Thinking it might be a cat, I dismissed the sound and turned to sleep. I was again awaken by a very loud thud, followed by low murmurs, unable to keep my curiosity under check, I decided to see what was making the sound.

Opening my bedroom door and switching on the flash light of my phone, I went pass my parents room to the kitchen. Not bothering to switch on the hall light, but I should have. When I looked in the kitchen there was no one there. That got me baffled; when I turned around, I got the shock of my life.

"Happy birthday" everyone shouted. I had forgotten about my birthday but my friends and family never did. It is on first January.

There was Farah and Uzma, my best friends from preschool and my parents.

"You people got me scared." I admitted keeping my hand on the chest.

"Well that was the idea," Uzma said hugging me, "Happy birthday dear"

"Hey, it's already 12 come and cut the cake" Farah called, motioning towards my favorite chocolate cake on the table, 16 candles igniting it, in accordance to my age. The room was ambushed with the sound of firecrackers coming from outside, as the celebrations of new year began. 

Mom and Dad came forward and they both embraced me at the same time "Happy birthday to the loveliest daughter in the world" mom said kissing my forehead.

Dad blessed, "may all your wishes be granted this year" wrapping his arms around me.

Everyone cheered and clapped as I passed the knife on the cake and then gave a bite to my mom and followed by dad.

 I turned towards my friends and got smeared with cake on my face by Farha. "Happy birthday dear" she giggled.

"Oh God! Farah" I shrieked.

"Farah, you should have waited till I had a bite" Uzma added

I looked at them from under the heaviness of cake on my eyebrows and they both started having a hearty laugh clicking my pictures all the time.

"I will not leave you," I said running towards Farha with cake smashed in my hands

"Oh god!" she yelled and climbed the sofa. I followed suit and smeared all the cake in my hand on her face.

Uzma was still standing with her back towards the cake, laughing. "Why are you left behind?"My mom said and spread it on her's.

"Aunt" she gasped and my parents joined the mayhem.

After we sobered down and cleaned ourselves. I got my first birthday present. The latest version of  I pad from my parents.

"Thanks mom, Thanks Dad" I said.

"Well we didn't have an idea what you would like. My friend's daughter was asking for this thing to her, so I got this for you too. Hope you like it"

"I love it, Thanks you so much" I said planting a kiss on my mom's cheek and smiling at dad.

"You guys enjoy now but I suggest sleeping early, you have school tomorrow" mom said and they both went back to their room.

"What's the plan?" Farah asked as we entered my room

"First the gifts" she said sitting on her knees before I replied.She opened her bag and brought out a large packet.

"What's this?" I asked. "Open it" she said clasping her hands.