Dear Twisha,

Happy Birthday. Before I begin, I just want you to know that even though I haven’t met you and you haven’t seen me (except in photos or webcam); make no mistake understanding the fact that I love you. Now, you’d of course be reading this when you are about 5-6 (maybe earlier) but whenever you understand this letter, do not waste time questioning this love.

This love is the one which ties the family together and is there unconditionally at the start, for you, like all other children in the family, are considered as “our creation” and like an artist loves his painting even though he made a wrong stroke, and like a writer preserves his words even though he may be wrong, like you have preserved some of your toys even though they might not work, we too love you for we consider you as a life we are all responsible to shape.

I write this letter to you now, lest I forget what I felt about you after your 1^st birthday. I will preach things to you in this letter, things I consider are something you should know. I understand that I may not be old enough to give you advice on life but considering you are not old enough to understand it, let us call it a tie

No one in this world is perfect, and no one will ever be. But do not let knowledge of this fact deter you from pushing yourself towards perfection.

The final destination of your path, whichever path you choose, would be something the world would always remember you for, but only you would remember the journey.

Listen to what everyone has to say, but take your own decisions.

Your parents love you more than they show. I know you won’t remember how excited your mom first was when she saw you walk or when you first started speaking, how scared she was when you first fell down on the floor or were about to fall off from the bed and how happy she was when she first held you in her arms. Even though you don’t remember her reactions during these moments, understand that they happened and always remember her care.

We, like all families are not a homogenous group. Each member has a different quality, a different quirk which sets him or her apart. They all have different ideas and different opinions. Try and imbibe the best from each and overlook their flaws.

Respect everyone’s opinion in the world, even if you do not agree with them.

Remember that everyone in this world is liberal and is free, but only to the extent that it doesn’t restrict someone else’s freedom or liberty.

You may not understand why mommy seems to dress you up to look pretty and worry about your results in the test, even if they might be based on building blocks, but know that she just wants to see you succeed in everything you do and is trying her best to prepare you for it.

It looks like I have focused solely on mommy so far but she is the one you must be seeing the most of. I know you won’t remember how excited you got when you see your dad return back home , how safe you felt when you slept between them for the first time, how scared you were when dad first lifted you up towards the sky but you knew you were always safe in his hands and smile came on your little face.

I know you won’t remember from where did you like the feeling of breeze in your hair, but I tell you now and keep this a secret, it came from those times when your dad made you jump in the air and caught you during the fall. He let you fly free in the sky but always was there to make sure you don’t hurt yourself when you break the fall. He will always be there to catch you… just in time.

Don’t take anyone’s love for granted though. I made the mistake once and I know you would too. But learn to love people as you like to be loved. They may not reciprocate as you expect but remember they are also trying to love you as they like to be loved.

You may not understand why the cake was cut, why the balloons were filled and the candles blown, yet you loved the colors and the beauty of it all. Life has a similar meaning.

I am not writing about the troubles of growing up just now, just in case I am short on material next year. But, remember that you are the most precious thing to your parents.

I know you’d forget but you used to laugh for no reason when you were little and cry too. Your parents laughed with you but did everything they could to stop you cry.

Next year, you’d be running and not just on the floor but towards yourself. Do like what you find or find what you like.

I may not be a significant factor in shaping your life, but always remember that my best wishes and love is always with you and will continue to be with you, long after I am gone…

to the bathroom, you daughter of an emotional queen!

See you next year and get fat!

Your “Uski baat mat sun” Mama,

Kritesh