By Rachana Srivastava*
Winter was setting in last month… It was joyous to see Sikander and Tango, who were nearing their 15th birthday, run and play in the park; their frolicking is always followed by a silent prayer in my heart asking God for giving them more opportunities to enjoy life! They have helped me remain intact in most difficult of situations. Just a few months back it was another story…
Summer of 2020 was full of anxiety and major health issues for my little babies Sikander and Tango, both fighting their battle with life and few breaths left in their tiny lungs – those hot, humid, and long summer days and nights seemed like eternity.
Three of ours love story needed a celebration; for 14 years I have celebrated their joint birthdays, never ever a year was missed! This year was the significant 15; in human years this was a landmark year, maybe crossing a century – I was sure I’ll be going all the way to make their big day unforgettable and eventful. I was certain to create an experience for guests on this fabulous day. “My babies deserve pomp and show”, I told myself, “they are stars, and the party must twinkle”.
Granny flew in to celebrate their big day, birthday invitations were sent, outstation friends and family were to join on video call.
Preparations started; I designed posters depicting their dictionary, by and far around twenty sentences that babies know by heart – understandably “fetch the leash”, “biscuits” & “drive” were on top of the list; the house was decorated with life size balloons, buntings, and strings of posters designed by me; the highlight of decoration was a life size poster of both babies. Considering their health, I decided to bake their birthday cake myself.
The day of celebrations was perfect – breeze was pleasant, the Sun smiled, and Angels sang!
Flow of the afternoon took care of every aspect of ‘big fat Indian party’. On their big day, both the boys were dressed up like dolls – they sure are socialites – they pranced around proudly knowing it’s a special day for them. Cake cutting was cheered by all friends with enthusiasm, followed by emotional blessings – showered by each friend; I reserved my blessings for the last by singing a beautiful song for them. My daughter and I had prepared dance performances, this set the momentum for the afternoon and everyone joined in singing and dancing, alongside enjoying their food and drinks.
A relay of memories passed before me – they as 40 days old, getting lost even inside a shoe, they running around the house with socks and underwear, they marking their territory on vintage carpets and refrigerator, they running out hearing my car pull in, they jumping on to my bed and wetting it, they peeing on my most expensive stuff, they trying to protect me with postman, and wagging their tails at shady looking people, they not allowing me to eat a meal properly, sitting with me in bathroom till I finish my business, being curious when I cried, they travelled with me to hills every year, the look in their eyes while boating on Nani Lake, and many more!
We three loved each other through thick and thin; there was no give and take, it was only giving and giving more love to each other! The banter between us is limited to 20 sentences, but it encompasses every word I would like to know in this lifetime.
…Love can touch us one time…
And last for a lifetime… (Titanic Song)
*Author is a lawyer, a Spiritual psychotherapist, and is on working committee of Charpaws.