High FIVE, My Love!

One was invaluable,

Two was so much fun... I and You,

Three, it just flee,

Four just got through,

FIVE is currently live and life.

Happy 5th Birthday, Son!

My Precious Little Shri,

Another year has gone by; rather flew since the time I wrote my first open letter to you on your 4th birthday and promised to gift you these letters every year until God had some other plans. As I sit penning down my thoughts after celebrating your 5th birthday and putting you to sound sleep (I bet, the prefix before sleep is very important for every single Mom on this planet), I first and foremost extend my gratitude to the Almighty. Thank you, Lord!

Kiddo, since your birth, every single day has been a race against time for me, but today on your birthday, I simply want to slow down and hold onto time, and I feel that writing you these letters is one of the best ways of doing that, literally!

My child, many milestones have been accomplished by you in this last year. Moreover, there have been a lot of changes especially in your physical appearance but one thing that has remained constant is the relationship that we share; I being your Mumma and you being not only my Son but also my teacher. Yes, Mom is learning and improving as a parent every day under your able guidance. Thank you for that!

Here, I am jotting down some of your memorable moments that I and your Papa can recollect to the best of our memories. Son, there is a slim possibility that we might have forgotten quite a few, but rest assure we did live all those moments.

• The biggest achievement (one of its kind) was that God listened to your prayers that you offered (though for a very short while) and as a result, schools, not only yours but all over the world... shut down! (I did know the saying, but now I firmly believe that children are human forms of God and their prayers are answered as a priority by HIM). This one was an instant type 'wish granted.' You had just started your kindergarten and when I thought I could resume my professional front, voila! I was entrusted with being your Ma’am in addition to your Mom (just a change of vowels between the two 'Ms" and a whole lot of added responsibilities). Son, since across the globe, Moms had no choice, so I too had to don this cap; the sooner, the better. You learnt how to write alphabets, numbers, swar, vyanjan, draw shapes, colour, cut paper, match and segregate things, recite poems, carry out several other simple activities, and completed one year of your formal education with your Mom as your teacher. I am so proud that we did it, together and successfully! Although you learnt many things with me yet what you missed out by not being able to attend school is huge and can not be put in words. Kiddo, kindergarten is the best time in a child's and Parent's life, and I am deeply saddened that we missed it! The worst part being, there is no undo button for it.

• You have learnt how to boil water and make a perfect cup of ginger tea. Now, I know whom to ask for a cup of hot steaming tea after a long day at work, a tea that is never imperfect as it is every time made with so much love and enthusiasm. In your words, "Dekha na Mumma...mai kitni badiya chai banata hu."

• You have successfully learnt to insert batteries in your toys (with correct polarities) and recharge them once they get drained; operate many household appliances like an induction cooktop, washing machine, microwave, air cooler,etc. Of course, none of these appliances has been able to replace your love for the air conditioner. To me, it seems to be your first materialistic love and that too at first sight! Guess, first love is always special and unforgettable!

• You have successfully learnt to set up the entire framework for your online classes, make a WhatsApp call, assist your Papa in changing his car's tyres, be your Dad's navigator while he is driving, and narrate the stories as told by him (the crocodile story being your favourite).

• You were also able to fulfil partially your Parent's wish that was expressed in my last open letter…a hand-drawn card for us. Well, partially because, you only drew the card for your Papa on this Father's Day and poor Mumma is still waiting for the maiden card that you were supposed to gift her on last Mother's Day. I hope I get it before I write you your next letter.

• Now, this one is commendable. To my surprise, you were able to successfully beat your record of staying without me, your Mumma for a record 62 days. That was so brave of you, Son!

• Mom and Dad are so proud of you that you can now recognize all your loved ones, and also remember where they live.

• You have learnt the trade of melting your Mom's heart or cooling down her temper by planting that wet smooch of yours without being bothered by who is around. Every time you do that, I call you my Emraan Hashmi. I am sure, this trick is not going to work for long....you will understand why so as you grow older and make friends...until then...it is just 'You and I'.

• You are slowly learning how to eat and drink all by yourself. Although you are not obsessed with 'Mumma ke haath ka khaana' you are madly in love with 'Mumma- Papa ke haath se khaana'. Kiddo, I hope next year you accomplish finishing your meals all by yourself, and that too without being coerced.

• Well, you are becoming stubborn too or I guess have started taking decisions for yourself, and sticking to them irrespective of them not being in sync with those of your Parents. Guess that is what growing up is about. But honestly, we dislike it, but deep down in our hearts, we know that we have to learn to accept it sooner or later. Son, Just keep us informed!

• Finally, my child, you have learnt to perfectly sing the same *lullaby for your Mom that she has been singing to you for the last 5 years almost every single night (including tonight). It is so soothing to hear every word when you sing.

Shri, on your 5th birthday and every single day, I thank God for giving me you, and I pray that He keeps protecting, guiding, loving, and blessing you, ALWAYS!

Before this day ends, wishing you once again a "Happy Birthday". Remember my son, you may have outgrown my lap, but you will never outgrow my heart. I will always be there for you!

Lots of Unconditioned, Undying and Unadulterated Love,

Mumma

P.S.1 Although for the first time in the last five years it it did not rain on your birthday, the love and blessings of your loved ones will never stop pouring.

P.S.2 Just two days ago, I was a bit lost in my thoughts pondering over my career moves. You enquired what happened, Mumma? Aap kya soch rahe ho? I told you that I am thinking what more should I do professionally, now that you have grown up? You immediately responded, "aap mujhe bus pyaar karte raho". I and your Papa instantly burst into uncontrolled laughter. I wish everything in life is just as simple, innocent, and uncomplicated as your reply or a child's mind. Anyway, your answer has been etched into my heart and will be always be followed, as in FOREVER!!

P.S.3 *The lyrics of my lullaby for you. Try singing it aloud whenever you need me or miss me or simply because you want to…..

आजा नींदिया रानी आजा, श्रीहान को सुलाजा,

आजा नींदिया रानी आजा,मिठू को सुलाजा!

धीरे-धीरे, हौले-हौले, आना नींदिया रानी,

श्रीहान को, प्यार से सुलाना नींदिया रानी!

मिठू मेरा थक सा गया है,

नींदिया जल्दी आना,

लोगो से कह दो शोर ना मचाना!

आजा नींदिया रानी आजा, श्रीहान को सुलाजा,

आजा नींदिया रानी आजा, मिठू को सुलाजा!