A Letter to My Daughter on Her Birthday

My Dearest Second Born,

From the moment you arrived, tiny, fragile, and giving us all a scare, to the wonderful, kind, and strong person you are today, it's been a journey filled with love, gratitude, and countless cherished moments. I still remember those premie days, the hospital visits, the anxious nights, and now here you are, strong, kind, and beautiful inside out.

How can I not be grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with you?

You wanted a simple birthday, no cake, just a big, rich brownie. No candles, no fuss, just a little shopping spree with Dad for your favorite snacks. Chips, juice, some goodies. You never really know what to ask for, and yet, you know exactly what makes you happy. So simple, yet when it comes to toiletries, oh so high maintenance! Now I know what to get you next year, your first proper skincare stash! Welcome to the world of good face washes and skincare, my officially minted teenager.

And the pizzas, yes, the pizzas! I made you loads and loads of them, and we were so hungry by evening that they went straight from the oven into our bellies. Had no time for pictures by then, no waiting, just pure joy and the happiness of sharing a meal together.

But the best part? You. All dressed up, carrying yourself with such grace and confidence. Such poise, such presence. Evil eyes off, my beautiful girl.

I hope you felt special, because you are. Happy Birthday!

And yet, what truly made the day special was how your siblings turned it into a celebration. Your elder sister, your Api, made you a crown, because of course, you are royalty in this house. The cute little artworks by her, the excitement, the way your brother Bhaiyya struggled with the gift wrap and still pulled it off with a little help from api. You three may bicker, squabble, and have your moments, but at the end of the day, you are bound by something deeper. The strength of this womb that nurtured you at different times, the bond that no fight can break...

Happy Birthday once again, my love.

With all my heart,
Mama.

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This letter is for you, my love, but it is also for me. A way to hold on to these fleeting moments, to bottle up the love and laughter, the little details that time might try to fade. One day, when you read this, I hope you smile and remember how cherished you have always been.

Years from now, when I look back, I want to relive this day, the simple joys, the love that surrounded us, the way you stood, tall and confident, stepping into your teenage years.

No matter how much time passes, you will always be my little girl—the one who once fit in the crook of my arm. No, you were even tinier, too fragile. I was almost afraid to even pick you up. And now, here you are, walking beside me, ready to take on the world.

27th, February 2025