They say the 33rd anniversary is the porphyry anniversary, named after the deep purple gemstone. Purple is associated with nobility, which is sort of fitting to this co-passenger of my life, who reigns over me….errr… my heart. Your strength, kindness, and unwavering support has made this journey of blissful togetherness not only last long, but also royal. Happy 33rd to US, Dearest Aparna! As I mentioned earlier in one of my article, looking back I can say that I don’t mind getting stranded on an uninhabited island after a ship wreck if you are around (so that you can keep reminding me that it was my fault 🤪)

To write something year after year has never been difficult since there would always be something new and more to write. One of the greatest virtue is being “Mum” (Pun intended). Being Mum to lovely kids, biological and manasik. And being “Mum” and let all others talk (while you scheme 🤪)

Jokes apart, I repeat once again, I was lucky enough to have been blessed to be married to someone, not whom I can live with but whom I cannot live without. Nothing explains why and how it worked. It just did. God and Guru have been Kind. I have nothing else to say. But for those beginning on this journey, we would like to say, “It is never nor was it ever hunky-dory every moment. We have had our share of travails (but opting out was never even a passing thought). We sailed through, cheering each other up, supported by gems of Kids around us, but sail we did. WE HAD TO WORK TO MAKE THIS WORK” The key word is “We”. And with someone like Aparna around it only made it easier for everyone around.

You may not be the Eternal optimist who always saw the glass half full, instead of half empty but when it needs the most you ensured that anyone around you saw even an empty glass as an over-flowing one.

What an incredible journey of 40 years (informally when I met you first) and 33 as a couple. Ever grateful for being truly a “Better” half. And a song dedicated to you