At the airport, I spotted some beautiful decorations and gifts while I was waiting for my flight departure.
Who could resist such a beautiful piece of art?
Definitely not me.
I ended up buying gifts there itself.
For my aunt, I bought a gown.
For Uncle, I bought a bar and glassware set along with a sleek metallic globe.
For my brother, I bought a silver watch.
That's it.
Shopping is done.
The flight departed, and after several hours, I finally reached New York.
"Uncle, how did you know that I would be here?"
"Oh, dear. I know everything. Your mom told me."
I hugged my uncle.
"Bless you, birthday man."
He laughed.
"How's my brother?"
"He is just fine. But since you have come, teach him some ethics and manners. I am just fed up with him. He is outside with the car."
"Don't worry, Uncle. He will be fine. What can get worse?"
I walked outside.
Then I stopped.
My eyes were stunned by his attire.
"SEE? I told you."
My uncle laughed.
"Bro!"
"Exactly," I said. "What is this outfit? You look funked up. And what is this hairstyle?"
"Sister, you are getting old. This is new fashion in town."
"Fashion? Last time I checked, this fashion belonged to beggars in the street. Plus, I am only four years older than you. I am old?"
He rolled his eyes.
"Okay, okay. Don't be angry. I will change according to you when we reach home, okay?"
"More likeable."
"Okay, you kids, sit in the car. Our house isn't so far from here."
Soon after a twenty-five-minute ride, we reached Uncle's luxury apartment.
I gave him the title of the rich man.
The décor was so classy, and every time I visited, there was something in his house that kept everyone captivated.
"Aureliaaa! How have you been?"
"Just fine, Aunt. The law keeps me busy all the time, and my body needs rest after a five-hour flight."
"I know, Aurelia. I have kept the guest room ready for you. Change your clothes, eat the food I made, and sleep. The party will start probably from 7 p.m. You have time to rest, okay, dear?"
"You are the best. Perfect."
"And also, Aurelia, I am pretty sure you have brought so many things for us. So, we have gifts for you too."
"Aunty, it's Uncle's birthday. Of course I will bring gifts for you all too. But why gifts for me?"
She looked at me.
"Did you again forget? First of all, you are like my daughter. And second, your birthday is coming in like five days."
"Oh yeah. I forgot."
I smiled.
"Okay, okay. You are the master."
I went to the guest room, changed into comfortable clothes and returned to the dining table.
The food was already waiting.
"Aunt, you really made all this?"
"Of course. You came after travelling all the way from California. Eat properly."
I looked at the table.
"This is not food. This is a full welcome ceremony."
My brother laughed.
"She is always dramatic."
I pointed at him.
"You were supposed to change your fashion."
"I will."
"Good."
My aunt shook her head.
"You two haven't changed at all."
"Neither have you," I replied.
She smiled.
"Eat first. Fight later."
I laughed and started eating.
For the first time that day, I felt completely relaxed.
No court.
No evidence.
No case.
No Marco.
Just family.
After eating, I returned to the guest room.
My body finally remembered that I had travelled for hours.
I lay down.
Just for a while, I thought.
The next thing I knew, I woke up around 6 p.m.
I looked at the clock.
"Oh my God."
I had slept for almost two hours.
There was a knock on the door.
"Aurelia?"
"Come in."
My aunt entered carrying something.
I looked at her hands.
A black gown.
My eyes immediately widened.
"For me?"
"For you."
I stood up and touched the fabric.
"Aunt, this is beautiful."
"I knew you would like it."
I smiled.
"You really are the best."
"Go get ready. Your uncle's party is starting soon."
I changed into the black gown and came out.
My brother was already dressed differently.
I stopped.
"You actually changed?"
He smiled proudly.
"Happy now?"
"Much better."
My aunt laughed.
"Finally, someone listens to her."
"See?" I said. "I have taste."
"Debatable," my brother replied.
"Shut up."
The evening passed with laughter, guests and birthday wishes.
When it was time, I went toward my uncle with the gifts.
"Happy fiftieth, Uncle."
He smiled.
"Thank you, my little girl."
I handed him the gifts.
"And this one is from your favourite niece."
"Favourite?"
My brother immediately objected.
"Excuse me?"
I looked at him.
"Quiet. Birthday privileges."
Everyone laughed.
Later, when the celebrations became louder and the guests were occupied, my uncle quietly called me aside.
"I have something for you."
"For me?"
He handed me my birthday gift privately.
It was a firearm, legally registered to me in the story after the required legal formalities had already been completed.
I stared at it for a moment.
"Uncle…"
"Happy birthday, Aurelia."
I couldn't stop smiling.
"You actually remembered."
"Of course I did."
I hugged him tightly.
"Thank you."
Neither my aunt nor my brother knew about the gift.
And somehow, that made the whole thing feel even more like a secret birthday surprise.
That night, surrounded by family, laughter and lights, I realised something.
My birthday had not even arrived yet.
And somehow, I had already received the gift I never expected.