SURPRISE

Today was like any other day, unremarkable until nightfall when Alex entered my room and sat beside me on the bed. We had grown accustomed to our powers increasing, a phenomenon linked to my body. I had warned them of an impending danger, a threat to Earth's existence, but the conversation took a surprising turn when Shiv mentioned the invasion of superpowers from other planets.

The Dark Terror, a force we thought we had vanquished three years ago, was stirring once more. The looming chaos sent a shiver down my spine, and I revealed my secret: my ability to dual cultivate, a power that accelerated my growth exponentially. We decided to intensify our training, no longer just for love, but for survival.

As Alex lay beside me, I expected our usual tender moments, but instead, he simply slept, his presence comforting yet puzzling. I wanted to ask why, but his gentle hug and whispered words, "Aysha, I'm a little lazy today, can we just sleep together without anything?" left me speechless. I nodded, feeling a strange happiness, and we spent the entire night wrapped in each other's arms, a deep emotional connection transcending physical love.

In that moment, I realized that our bond had evolved, becoming a sanctuary of trust and understanding. The world outside might be crumbling, but in each other's embrace, we found solace, a sense of belonging that went beyond words. As we slept, our hearts beat as one, a rhythm of love and necessity, forging an unbreakable bond between us.

, our routine remained unchanged. Alex and I would sleep together, and I'd wake up to an empty room. I couldn't understand why he'd stopped attending lectures, and his absence left me feeling curious and concerned not only he not others even doesn't attended I don't know why On the fifth day, I decided to follow him, hiding in the shadows as he woke up early, just like he did on Mondays. But as I trailed him, he vanished into thin air.

I returned to my lectures, teaching my friends and trying to focus, but my mind kept wandering back to Alex. After class, I attempted to find him, but he was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, I retreated to the cave to cultivate and train, hoping to clear my mind.

Two days passed, and as I returned to my room at 9 pm, I was met with a surprise that left me breathless. The room was transformed into a birthday party scene, filled with friends, husbands, and decorations. The sudden shout of "Happy Birthday, Aysha!" made me jump, and I felt a mix of emotions: shock, joy, and awkwardness.

My eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces, all smiling and cheering for me. I felt a sense of gratitude and love, knowing that they had gone to such great lengths to celebrate my special day. But amidst the joy, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, wondering why Alex had kept this a secret from me. As I stood there, frozen in surprise, the room fell silent, awaiting my response.

I stood there, still trying to process the surprise party, when Alex teased, "I knew you'd forget your own birthday, that's why we planned this!" The room erupted in laughter, and I couldn't help but join in, feeling a mix of emotions: surprise, gratitude, and love.

As I looked around at the familiar faces, I felt a sense of joy and belonging. Alex handed me a knife to cut the cake, saying, "Come on, we're starving! Where have you been, anyway?" I smiled sheepishly, "I was busy."

Just as I was about to cut the cake, a knock on the door interrupted us. My brother, Eshu, and mother walked in, and I was taken aback, feeling a mix of surprise and guilt for not inviting them. Eshu joked, "So, you forgot about me, or you didn't want to give me any birthday cake? I want the biggest piece, by the way!"

We all burst out laughing, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I took blessings from my mother, surrounded by all my husbands, and cut the cake. The rest of the party was a blur of laughter, conversation, and celebration.

Eshu dominated the conversation, excitedly sharing his plans to start a new company and launch his own products. I listened proudly, feeling grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. As the party came to a close, and everyone began to leave, I felt a sense of contentment and joy, knowing that this birthday would be one to remember.

As I approached Alex's door to return his forgotten napkin, I overheard a conversation that made my heart skip a beat. Alex was speaking to Shiv, Raj, and Arav, his voice filled with gratitude and concern.

"Thank you all for your help. Even Aysha didn't show or feel it, but she's still human, and you understand that." Shiv replied, "You're not the only one who loves her, Alex. We all do. How could we use her for cultivation? We'd rather die than use her like that."

Alex nodded in agreement. "I knew my power was increasing, but I ignored it. I didn't know she knew about her power too, because I didn't know she was a cultivator until recently. When I realized she was growing faster than me, I knew I'd never use dual cultivation to boost my power. That would be a shame on our love."

Raj and Arav chimed in, supporting Alex's stance. Shiv added, "That's why we agreed with you, Alex. We won't touch her, even if she asks for dual cultivation. It will keep her away from the upcoming war, and she's strong enough to lead the survivors off the planet."

My heart swelled with emotion as I listened, feeling seen and loved. I realized that Alex and our friends had been protecting me all along, prioritizing my well-being over their own desires. I felt grateful for their selflessness and love, knowing that I was part of something much bigger than myself.

As I listwnwd to their conversation, I felt a mix of emotions: shock, happiness, and anger. I had never considered their feelings, only offering to use my ability to increase our power. But when I heard their plan to send me away, to sacrifice themselves in war, I felt a surge of rage.

I kicked open the door, my heart pounding, and confronted them. "How dare you think I'd leave any of you behind? That I'd abandon you to die in war while I survive?" My voice trembled with emotion.

They looked at me, shocked, trying to speak, but I silenced them. "Don't talk to me, any of you. You just want me to live with regret, to send me away and sacrifice yourselves. Don't even think about it."

I turned and stormed back to my room, slamming the door shut. I fell onto my bed, exhausted, and eventually drifted off to sleep. But my rest was short-lived, as I felt a strange sensation wash over me, trying to move my body, to open my eyes. I tried to resist, but it was too late.