Dearest Aparna,
As the calendar turns to March 31st once again, I find myself looking at you and wondering where the last thirty-five years have gone. They say time flies when you’re having fun, but in our case, it has flown because you’ve made every moment feel like a living dream. From that starry-eyed day in 1991 to this milestone of our 35th wedding anniversary (they said it is called Coral Anniversary, but who cares anyway), the journey has been nothing short of magical. Looking back, I realize that while I might be the one writing these words, it is your grace and grit that have written our story.
I often think back to that August 15th evening of 1984 when we first met. If the Divine were to appear before me today and offer a chance to rewind and chart a different course, I would ask for the exact same journey all over again. I wouldn’t change a single thing. You have been the anchor of my life, the pilot of our flight, and the perfect fit in a way that even mechanical engineering couldn’t replicate. While I am often the motor-mouth, overtly expressing everything, you have always been the calming presence—the one who ensures that even an empty glass looks overflowing to those around you.
Our life together has seen its share of ups and downs, abundance and scarcity, but none of that mattered because I had you walking alongside me. You are the one who brings out the best in me and makes me want to be better every single day. I see your unshakeable loyalty, your selfless nature, and the way you never frown when someone seeks your help. You are a Seva Warrior in the truest sense, a fantastic soul who lives every moment with such clarity of priority. Whether it was the organising strength you showed during my pilgrimages to Sabarimala or the way you handled difficult decisions by simply telling me to “do what lets you sleep peacefully,” your wisdom has always been our compass.
Looking at Divya and Vishnu, I see the best parts of you in them. You weren’t just a mother to our biological children but a no-nonsense guide to so many manasik children, as well. From the early days when you were a cook wondering if pressure-cooking rice needed water, to today, where you could give any chef a run for their money, your growth and persistence have been exemplary.
You instilled values in them through bedtime stories and constant care, ensuring that Life is a celebration for our entire extended family. You are the heart of our home and the light of our lives.
And then, of course, there is the little light who has redefined what home feels like for both of us. When Anay arrived on October 11, 2022, he didn’t just join our family; he shifted the entire axis of our world. Watching you transition into the role of a grandmother has been one of the most beautiful chapters of our thirty-five years together. It is as if all the love and wisdom you gathered over the decades found a brand-new, tiny vessel to pour into. Anay has brought a sense of playfulness back into our lives that I didn’t realize we were missing. He is a constant reminder of the wonder in small things, teaching us to slow down and see the world through his curious, bright eyes.
In fact, our entire week now revolves around a new kind of countdown. We find ourselves looking forward to every Friday evening with a restless, childlike excitement because we know it brings Anay back into our arms. The house feels different the moment he walks in; the air seems lighter and the walls echo with a joy that only a grandchild can provide. Those weekends spent watching him grow, hearing his laughter, and seeing him bond with you are the moments where time truly stands still for us. Sharing the joy of being his grandparents with you is the perfect crowning jewel on our thirty-five years of marriage.
Our Sunday mornings—filled with Uppittu, Dosey, and filter coffee—remain my favorite ritual. They are a reminder that while the world outside is loud, our world is built on these quiet, sacred moments of togetherness. You are the woman who is fixed, robust, and capable of restoring any fallen ones around her. You have sacrificed comforts to keep us happy, and you have loved me just as I am, never trying to change my idiosyncrasies, even when I know I’m a handful.
Aparna, they say that after thirty-five years, things might become routine, but with you, it only gets better, like fine wine. You are still the person I cannot live without. I am so lucky that of all the fishes in the ocean, I caught you. Thank you for thirty-five years of tolerating me with a smile and for being the wonderful human being that you are. May the Divine and Gurudev continue to bless you with health and joy in abundance. I am, and will always be, the luckiest man to have you by my side.
Happy 35th Anniversary, my darling.
As always a song dedicated to you on this occasion
I have no grouse against a life without you, But a life without you is hardly a life




















