Letter to Shivansh on your fourth birthday

Dear Shivansh,

Happy Birthday my champ.

You’re the most charming, funny and cute boy I know (and I end up saying this year after year). I am heart achingly sad cause I know you will outgrow the cute little things you say. ‘Volman’ will soon become ‘volume’, ‘Pickups’ will soon become ‘Hiccups’, and ‘Dosa battery’ will soon become ‘dosa batter’.

I’m no longer calling you smart or handsome since you already do that enough for yourself. Whenever you wear something ‘new new’, you must hear and say that you look smart and handsome.

It seems my heart melts a thousand times every time I see your bond with Shreya. You are deeply disturbed if she doesn’t give you attention or doesn’t talk to you. You even have a problem if she talks too much and hogs the limelight. You love to complain about her but feel equally protective if she is scolded. I can truly feel that twins share an inexplicably deep bond.

I wish with all my heart that you become more confident and open to trying new things. You learn to learn and have the patience to focus on what interests you.

Shivansh, despite the patriarchy that we can’t rid ourselves from, I hope I can teach you that you are meant to do every chore yourself to take care of yourself and the ones around you. If you do, it’s not a favor to anyone but yourself.

You’re my friend and the sibling I never had. I’m sorry that I lose my patience sometimes, but I want you to know that I want you to live your childhood freely and fearlessly. I hope when you grow up you don’t blame me for not pressurizing you academically. I don’t want to limit your imagination or strangle your creativity. I want you to think uninhibited and be aware that you can do anything. I don’t want to restrict your experiences, but I would always like to protect you.

From a mom who’s definitely crazy.

Letter to Shreya on your fourth birthday

My little Shreya,

You get all our hugs, cuddling and snuggling, and you love every bit of it. Since Shivansh dislikes it, you get his share of affection too. I can’t imagine a day when you’d ask us to stop it or refuse to sleep over my chest. Your embrace is comforting to me more than it might be for you.

I’m so proud to see you so fearless and undaunted to try new things. I love that you have such focus and don’t lose it till you’ve finished the task at hand. You like to give your best go at the things you do, and I want you to remember that your sincere effort is what matters the most. You’re confident and dance and laugh unrestrictedly and unreservedly. I don’t want you to ever outgrow that.

I’d like to see you become less rigid and headstrong for everything. Not everyone will concede like your mom and dad.

You don’t leave any opportunity to boss around Shivansh. But you also love to emulate him. He masterminds the mischief and you follow. It seems you’re each other’s shadow.

Shreya, I want you to experience all the wondrous little things in this world. I want you to spread your wings, and fly, and if you can’t then you must be strong willed and relentless to keep trying till you can.

Always and forever your hugie pugie mom