hAppY b'Day 2 "ME"

I still have those memories with me… When I was a kid; standing in front of the class, in my new birthday dress gleaming and the whole class singing the birthday song and I'm smiling and Thanking everybody while they pick their toffees from the box that I especially used to load the previous night with my favorite toffees…

Years passed on… The toffee distribution stopped and transformed into treats and birthday cards, signed by the entire class. Sanchi Point, which was located just opposite to my school was our favorite treat spot – Baked Samosas, Cream Rolls, Pastries, Sandwiches sent into the stomach… plate after plate with non-stop masti and mazaak.

Further years passed on… Birthday celebrations in college hostels are of a different league. I was introduced to "birthday bumps" and several such tortures… When the clock struck 12… the ceremony used to begin! The ritual of holding the birthday boy in the air and then kicking his ass… I miss those lovely days now…

Years rolled on and birthdays are more formal and corporate'ish. At work – Standard birthday mails, cake cutting and treats.

Friends moved away choosing different geographical regions and different career paths and hence "Happy Birthday" calls and emails where the only things that kept the celebration on.

This year at the stroke of midnight, I was rushing towards HSBC – EDM to deposit my credit card bills. Once I was back I was all available on gtalk and yahoo. With my phone on loud tone I was awaiting for birthday wishes to pour in – but none came… (I'm pathetic in remembering birthdays anyways, so its better not to expect either… Fair right???) The first birthday wish (SMS) I received was from Debenhams and it read – "Lots of people are thinking of you on your birthday and we just wanted you to know that we're one of them: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr. Baiju Samuel". The message brought a smile on my face. I know indeed there are a lot of people thinking about me but I guess they probably missed my birthday…

Sitting in my balcony… I even wanted to call some of my close friends in the middle of the night and ask them to wish me. I wanted to say…"Today is my birthday, I want you to wish me" I lost my sleep for the night and was left wondering why no one is calling me?

I went to bed around 2am when my mobile started ringing… "Mummy calling…" I was delighted to get my phone wish so early and that too from mummy and inspite of the disturbed sleep I was excited… With best wishes and blessing she gave the phone to Betty, who in her deep sleep said… "Happy B'day" and she hung up as she had completed her task for the day.

Morning I woke up with the mobile beeping sound. Messages showered me with blessings and best wishes and happiness always… Since it was Saturday and also my birthday I didn't have to go to work. It was time for me to take rest…. A RESTFUL n SLEEPY Birthday :)