Happy Birthday!

To you. 

You, whom I met on the day of admissions, and was the first classmate I talked to.

You, whom I spent countless hours with at Moni-da's Canteen, downing plates of questionable Thai Chowmein.

You, who has been my one constant friend through the four years I've been at JUDE.

You, whom I whine and wail to, gossip to, and make the victim of my terrible jokes.

You, whom I go shopping with, bunk classes with, and brave the KMR with.
You, who takes the best pictures of me.
You, whom I text in class even if we're sitting right next to each other.

You, fellow-Cheesecake-lover, who has always stood by me, no matter what.

Here's to you, bringing in your 22nd year.

A very very Happy Birthday!

May life's troubles never wipe away your smile, because it is in the midst of troubles that you discover your strongest self.

Wish you a wonderful year ahead!

Lots of love.<3

Turning 21. And The Days Surrounding It.

I am now 21. Wrinkle cream, anyone? People keep telling me that I'm young (and no doubt I am), and not to obsess over it so much, but all the same, I can't help feeling a little disappointed that Time is passing me by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday that I was 13! But I guess that's what Time does, it's over before you know it.

But I have turned 21, and I am accepting that some moments are fleeing by altogether too quickly for my liking. The challenge, I guess, lies in living each moment and enjoying everything.

Thank you, Ma, for the beautiful pendant and the earrings - I know I said I didn't want anything, and really, I wouldn't have minded if you'd given me just a hug, but trust you to know how much I adore gold! How many girls get gold and diamonds on their birthday? I'm very lucky and blessed. I love you, thank you so much.

Thank you, Guppy, for the flowers. A fantastic surprise - them landing up at midnight. I'd have loved for you and Divya to be here, but ah well, everything's not possible. But thank you for doing your part to make this birthday special.

Thank you, Buri and Tuki, for being such amazing sisters, and putting up with all my idiotic comments and still giving me such great presents. I know it must have been difficult buying something for me, and I love you both all the more for putting in the effort!

Thank you, Shreya, for giving me so many gifts, I'm really really embarrassed. The bottle of Frooti was a nice touch, and totally unexpected. It's awesome having a friend like you, not just on a birthday, but for all 365 days of the year! *tighthug*

So. I'm 21 now. Woohoo. *feels important*
And as for the days surrounding it... Well, watch this space, I shall write "if and when..."
*wink*

For the moment, look at some pictures.

The Birthday And The Bodhisatwa.

Ma's 48th birthday came and went amidst a lot of love, laughter, celebration and presents. Here's wishing her a fabulous year ahead.

Guppy's here too, and like always, it's massive fun having him around. His cooking is now an added bonus!

It's nice to have the Dasguptas back together, if only for a short while.

Happy Women's Day.

Sometimes being a woman isn't just about bra-burning. It's not about refusing to go into the kitchen, it's not about making a statement by not wearing sindoor despite being married.
Being a woman is about so much more.
It's about picking up the pieces when disaster strikes, and carrying on with your head held high. It's about never compromising yourself, on your beliefs and values. It's about discovering your hidden potential.
It's about the power of giving birth, and the beauty of unconditional love.
To the woman I love most, and respect even more - Happy Women's Day.

Turning 20.

My 20th birthday was a marvellous one. Right from the flood of phonecalls at midnight to the barrage of texts, from the birthday lunch with friends to all the presents, from a special letter to a lovely blogpost, from Dida's payesh to the bouquets of roses, from Ma's letter to the birthday cakes, just everything was simply lovely.

I couldn't have asked for a better day.

And to think I was dreading turning 20. Sure, I'm not a teenager anymore, but every phase ends, and a better one starts.

Thank you to everyone who made this day special, and a special thank you to Ma and Height, who brought me into this world, and gave me a wonderful life.

I love you all. Very very much.

Midnight Approaches.

In less than three hours, I shall leave behind my teenage years, and become 20. It's not an exciting prospect. I remember how, when I was a kid, I used to get so excited about birthdays, and start counting down months in advance. How, the night before, I couldn't sleep because I was so hyperactive.

It's strange how things have changed so much. Now, I'm not even excited, to tell the truth. Tomorrow's my 20th birthday- so what? It's just another day.

People are telling me it's not that big a deal, that it's just a number, Abhijan told me I might be saying goodbye to my teens, but I'm welcoming in the best time of my life. Everyone's right in their own way. Turning 20 isn't that big a deal, it is just a number, and maybe I just am welcoming in the best time of my life.

All the same, I can't help feeling sorry that I can't say I'm 19 anymore. Can't help mourning for the teenage years that have passed me by. Can't help but wonder how Time flies by so fast.

The teenage years were a journey- one that had ups as well as downs. I saw much, learnt even more, grew up, experienced loss in its true sense, tasted responsibility, touched success... Yes, they were wonderful while they lasted.

And now, I suppose it's time to get ready to be 20. It's a funny age to be. Neither here nor there. But I suppose I shall get used to it. And maybe, just maybe, I am welcoming in the best time of my life. *grin*

The Early Birthday Gift.

The book, the earrings, the card, even the illegible handwriting- it's all so wonderful.

Words cannot express how much I love them, and how much I loved getting the package.

So I'll just settle for a hug instead.

*hug*

Thank you.

P.S.- I didn't think it was possible, but you make

the prospect of turning 20 actually sound better.

My 19th birthday.

Another year older. Nineteen. One awesome birthday. Right from the new Converse shoes to the Yardley Lavender perfume, from SK's nineteen presents to Soumya's headbutting, from the Tollyclub lunch with friends to the family party at night, from Tanima's call at midnight to the cake... it was great all the way.

Thank you- to everyone who has made it special.