Today, I celebrate Aparna — not just her birthday, but the extraordinary woman she is. Every year, I write about her, and every year I find myself discovering new layers to her grace, strength, and quiet brilliance. This post is not just a tribute; it’s a love letter to the woman who has been my partner, my compass, and my greatest blessing.
The Beginning of Us
I still remember the first time I saw Aparna — calm, composed, and radiating a quiet confidence. There was something about her that felt grounding. While many of our common friends dreaded engaging with her (she was called Kali – not for being divine, it was more due to the perceived Ferocious nature) Over the years, that feeling has only deepened. She’s not just the person I married; she’s the person who has helped me become who I am.
In our early days together, I was often caught up in work, travel, and ambition. Aparna never complained. She simply made sure that home was a place of peace, warmth, and unconditional support. I’ve often said she’s the reason I could chase dreams without fear — and I mean it.
The Backbone of Our Family
Aparna is the emotional backbone of our family. She remembers every birthday, every anniversary, every little detail that makes people feel seen and loved. She’s the one who ensures that traditions are honored, that relationships are nurtured, and that no one ever feels left out.
While she had been a great parent, what was surprising to all of us was the she is a greater grandparent. A new priority (notwithstanding what I will write later on). Her small world now revolved around Anay, the lovely gift from the Divine who came into our lives 2 1/2 years ago.
Her Quiet Wisdom
Aparna doesn’t speak to impress — she speaks to connect. Her wisdom is never loud, but it’s always profound. I remember a particularly difficult decision I had to make at work. I was torn, overthinking, and restless. When you are spoilt for choices, a good night’s sleep becomes a distant dream. Aparna listened patiently and then said, “Do what lets you sleep peacefully at night.” That one line cut through all the noise and helped me choose clarity over confusion. Decision was made. It was not just about Money, Honey was the message she stood by.
She has this ability to distill complexity into simplicity — not because she’s trying to solve things for me, but because she trusts me to find my way. Her faith in me has often been stronger than my own.
The Rituals That Bind Us
Our Sunday mornings are sacred. Uppittu, Avalakki, Dosey, filter coffee, and short conversations — about everything and nothing. It’s in these moments that I see the depth of our bond. While I may find it difficult to tell this on the face, it is easier to express it here – Aparna’s presence doesn’t demand attention; it offers comfort.
Her Many Roles, Her One Essence
Aparna is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend — but she’s also a seeker, a thinker, and a woman of substance. We have so many to endorse this – Divya, Vishnu, Sindhu and so many of our Kids. She reflects deeply (and gets hassled even when things are fine), and refuses to evolve 😛 She’s the kind of person who’ll attend a spiritual discourse in the morning, debate a social issue (based on her FB feeds) in the afternoon, and watch a movie she will never understand in the evening.
She’s not defined by any one role — she’s enriched every role she’s taken on. Her priorities were very clear – it revolved around a few of us, whatever it took.
Her recent Pilgrimages to Sabarimala revealed an hitherto unrealised inner power. While we all thought she was frail and weak, she shocked us all. With His blessings she did it so easily, not once but two times in couple of months. Hats off!!!
The Unseen Sacrifices
There are sacrifices Aparna has made that I’ve only understood in hindsight. The career opportunities she let go of, the personal dreams she quietly shelved, the countless times she put others before herself. She never made a show of it — she simply chose love, responsibility, and grace.
I remember once asking her if she ever regretted not pursuing certain things. She smiled and said, “I chose what mattered most to me. And I’ve never looked back.” That’s Aparna — always choosing with clarity, always living with conviction, especially when it came to Children.
A Birthday Wish from the Heart
May this year bring you the peace you so generously give others. May you always know how deeply you are loved — not just today, but every single day.
Happy Birthday, Aparna.
From all of us