The birthday that was

My lil princess

I have realized that post new year's eve I have become rather daring. I was forever the good student. I never bunked school, smoking and drinking never enticed me, sports was my life and a good Sunday meant the day ending with Aloo chura at the Chai dukan on the way home after getting Dad's newspaper from town. It was all too routinized for my liking and I was complacent in that moment. I took a chance with the registration in January although I should never have risked it. To my surprise, I didn't face any hassles and within a day and a half, all formalities were completed. This made me take it a step further and in the middle of my semester, I was travelling and celebrating instead of sitting in the library and getting my readings sorted. My latest escapade involves being home a full ten days before the official semester end, all thanks to my niece who turns six this year. Working round the clock with my term papers, presentations and book reviews, I managed to be home just in time. 

On April 29th, Baini lived her dream. She was the princess and we were there for here. She was dressed in light yellow, with a tiara to complete the look. The birthday dinner was held in a hotel and all guests were entertained by the beautiful mother herself. It was a good opportunity for the family to get together and share a few light moments. Over the years, I have realized what a sucker I am for such bondings. So much so that being among family feels enough. The loss of additional company maybe credited to this same feeling. There doesn't exist any desire to step out of this circle, this web of relations. Baini was her chirpiest that day. She danced to Justin Beiber and a series of other chart busters. A guest later mentioned how he found that she had a knack of dancing according to the changing genre. It was amusing to know how a six year old had already known the distinction between a Beiber and a UB40. I guess these are somethings that we will never fully understand. The generation gap seems to be in full swing already. 

A particular moment that lingers in my head is the time my cousin walked in with her nephew and niece. Dressed in the national kira, the niece looked adorable. As soon as the guests were seated, Baini went up to them and was introduced to her new friends. Ten seconds later, the two were holding hands and hopping in sync towards the dance floor. It struck then how innocence is a virtue while we are young. As adults we may have ten years of friendship and continue doubting each other. Here were two girls who knew nothing of the complexities of life. The bond was created instantly and it was there for all to see for the next four hours or so. Sometimes even the little ones teach us some much needed lessons.

The final hour of the dinner saw the Shabda, which is a rarity during birthday celebrations. Thankfully the North and the Tathangchen connection helped sail the party through that river. Later, it was time for my brother to take center stage. His mimicry and jokes helped chase the tiredness of the day away. In bed around midnight, I remember thinking how well worth a chance I had taken and how I would not have missed this day for anything in the world.

Happy Birthday Bainichung. Lets hope your demands don't grow beyond Barbie birthday cakes and balloons anytime soon :D