ensures

To the one who has colored up my life for 23 years, a miracle who never ceased to be miraculous,

Starting off reminding you by rerunning this piece that I wrote => True to the Name – Everything  – every bit of what is in this is still valid and true. Only difference it that the things only got even better.

Vividly remember that warm summer morning, 23 years ago – when I became a father for the first time, the day life changed from super happiness to bliss, When I held the little bundle of unquantifiable bliss so close to my heart and felt that very subtle breath, held it so dearly as if my life depended on it (truth is that it does depend on it), held it like a TROPHY and it indeed was a trophy directly from the Divine!

8:36 am on 3rd April – Wow!ght (no no, it is not a typo) a day it turned out to be in our lives. When I set my eyes first, I knew here is the princess who is going to light up our lives and everyone’s around her. The way you looked at everything around when midwife brought you out of the labour room for the first time and our eyes met – It is like I almost never took it off you.

Your grannies, grandfather and myself – relished that moment of our much longer lives than yours. Here is a picture – being carried by the Doctor and carrying yourself with so much of dignity today, 23 years hence.

This was the bundle, an angel who made me feel worth everything to live for, One who loved us and everything around her. She gave me a reason to love Aparna even more. With Unmatched sense of humor (I am sure it is from my side) and lovely looks (again from my side) 😉 Commitment to love and serve (it would be a lie even for a joke, if I don’t say it was from Amma) – Don’t dismiss this to a father’s blind affection, check with those around her.

Time flew past and let me tell you, the hug that we gave each other 23 years back has only got tighter and each time it is as exciting as that day. Thanks my darling for being you. Thanks Aparna for bringing her on to the planet and Thanks Divine for the wonderful gift.

You made us proud so many innumerable number of times that I will herald your next birthday if I were to list them. But here are the three that I was really proud of

If you carefully observe I held a far more precious TROPHY than you. What made you different is your need to reach out and make a difference to the under-privileged (financially, physically or mentally) – The work you do for the needy is truly inspiring and many cannot even dream to match. You spread Joy and laughter to the world like an epidemic. A real Seva Warrior, my princess.

For having come into my life – here is my wish on your Birthday! No special wish for a special person like you. Just that as you celebrate your birthday today, I pray that it’s the beginning of the best of all the great things, which are about to come your way. May the year ahead provide you everything that your heart wishes for. Have a great day and year ahead. Happy Birthday my Darling! From a proud father!

 

Here is my selected one for you. A famous Tim McGraw number.

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go
Gonna tell you how much I love you
Though you think you already know

I remember I thought you looked like an angel
Wrapped in pink, so soft and warm
You’ve had me wrapped around your finger
Since the day you were born

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That’ll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be, my little girl

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile
Could melt my heart of stone
Now look at you, I’ve turned around
And you’ve almost grown

Sometimes you’re asleep I whisper ‘I love you’
In the moonlight at your door
As I walk away, I hear you say
“Daddy, love you more”

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That’ll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be, my little girl

Someday, some boy will come
And ask me for your hand
But I won’t say yes to him unless I know
He’s the half that makes you whole

He has a poet’s soul, and the heart of a man’s man
I know he’ll say that he’s in love
But between you and me
He won’t be good enough

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That’ll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be, my little girl

To sign off, Di I love you so much more than the number of selfies you click of yours and both of ours put together – that means Infinite Love

How do we forget this moment when the Divine blessed us all. Ever grateful Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji for making our life so fulfilling and blissful

 Update: At the stroke of midnight a good deal of her friends landed up with a cake and made it even more special for her