Happy birthday ma...

One of those wonderful memories of our wonder years are birthdays: We always had a list of friends that kept getting longer every year in proportion to our age. Ma was always welcoming to all the friends and guests with smiles on face; working tirelessly frying those yummy puffed countless poories and delicious birthday cake, the colors added by Gems 'n' jellies on icing made with vanilla and caster suger. Most of our favorites was on the menu on our special day. Of course there was no concept of celebrating it over the weekend. Ma picked up the most colorful clothes for us in the market which we wore proudly to the school (yup narcissistic us). It was special since it was the only day when we were allowed civilian dresses. The birthday kids would have a box of chocolates in hand-the treat that we carried happily to every teacher. The day we stood there at our desks feeling happy while classmates sang 'Happy Birthday To you'. 
But when it used to be ma's birthday it used to be so plain vanilla for long time. No Gems, no tutti-fruti, no jelly. Then we went to college and had our pocket money to buy a little cake and small card and flowers. The wonder years were gone... Now we have our families, I have become a mother to a child of my own and I now know how it feels when it comes from our own children. Sure an Irony, all of ma's bday after that we were away, just wishing over phone and sending cakes and bouquets overseas. This time, after long time... after ages. She is with us with her grown family, a proud aai to her wonderful soon, and a loving aaji to a everjumping naatu. With all of us together with her, we try to make her day special. Dont know whether it would ever match up with the specials she did for our bdays but something of a wonderful time that we all will cherish ahead. And this one is for you Mom, Hope your day is made special. Happy birtdhay and many many more such birthdays when we can celebrate this special day of yours - all together :)!!

signing off,
majya mammachich me mulgi!
Asmita