Letter to Shreya on your sixth birthday

 My heartbeat,

These letters have started to feel like those icky letters from ‘kuch kuch hota hai’ but neither am I the saree clad ghostly Rani Mukherjee and nor is there a Kajol waiting for your dad (or is there). And never will you play cupid.

And this analogy should be enough to tell you the craziness threshold your mom has reached.

I was all prepared to be the goo goo gaa gaa mommy, but never did I prepare for this six-year-old authoritarian. You may look like a diva but you’re a tiny dictator who always has answers to leave me dazed. Like when I told you to mind your business, you looked back and told me you don’t have a business. And Shivansh must walk, breathe, and move as you please.

My little one, as we continue to be stuck at home in these crazy times, I wish I can give you a normal world soon. While our childhood was all about outdoors, exploring and failing, I’m concerned that you both are deprived of all this in the most fun years of your childhood. Let’s hope for normalcy soon.

And Shreya to be likeable, stop being a bully. It's alright if people around won't do as you please.

I wish you have the most magical birthday and hope that you stay away from all the structured learning that is destroying your imagination.

Love beyond all the love in the world,

Your hugie pugie mom.

 

 

 

Letter to Shivansh on your sixth birthday

My Punjabi puttar,

You’re a foodie, and whenever we want to indulge, you’re our go-to person. I love how you’re clear about what you want to eat and what you want to do and get done with it. No drama, no qualms. As hyper restless as you might be, it’s hard for you to focus (always has been).

I understand when it’s only natural to punch Shreya as the bully shrieks at you or irritates you through the day. But I’m deeply disturbed at how serious these fights are getting each day.

On the chilly morning of 2016, when this 2.5 kgs baby came squealing into our lives, little was I prepared for his growing addiction to gadgets a few years later. I wish normalcy returns so that I can let you explore the world beyond the screens.

You might feel ignored when there’s someone boisterous always around getting all the attention with her charm and tact. But remember that you have our undivided attention, understanding and love, whether we say it or we don’t. I just wish you grow out of your shell to become more self-assured, ready to be seen and heard in the pandemonium.

As you grow in an environment obsessed with perfection, I hope you can confidently embrace your imperfections because that is what makes us human. I am immensely proud of who you are and what you will be if you work sincerely to be.

Love that knows no limits,

No longer your helicopter mommy (but still a crazy one)