October 6th, it was my fiancée’s first birthday with me.
Until late, we were under this impression that he would fly off back to work and hence, will not be here with me. But things changed. His travel plans got delayed. By the time I discovered that he is going to be with me on his birthday, I hardly had time to plan for his birthday.
Now, I started off on my mission – ‘Mission Birthday’.
Groundwork
I wished to give some extraordinary gift. The biggest question in front of me was WHAT!!? I suddenly got reminded about the two rubies that he had gifted me some time back. I dint know what to do of it, so, I had just sealed it in the purse and kept it in the safe and long forgotten!! I went up to the cupboard, took the stones out on my palm and gazed at them. I was still clueless as to what to do out of it. But yeah, I was sure I would get something done out of it, one for each of us. There were two options running in my mind – dollar, finger ring. I stuck to finger ring.
I went to the jeweler from whom we normally get the gold articles done. I showed him the stones and asked to make two finger rings out of it. I demanded that I would want it by 1st October. He refused. I dint know what else to do. I contacted a few of my friends and finally one friend told me about the jeweler in Malleswaram who would do it for me in time. The very next day (it was a Saturday) I went with her to that place and put it for making. My friend’s office is nearby that jeweler’s shop, so, I asked her to collect them for me. One of my worries was sorted. Previous to this week, I had severe cold and I had hardly recovered. Now, traveling so far in two-wheeler on those dusty roads wouldn’t have spared me so easily. I fell sick. I got viral fever. So, the mission was seized.
Days just passed by and it was already October 1st and my friend had collected the rings for me. My fiancée had gone out of station to attend a family function. Right opportunity it was for me to arrange for everything. I went out to shop for some more gifts for him. Again clueless as to what I should be buying. Finally, picked up t-shirts for him. On my way back home, I went to my friend’s place and collected the rings from her. They were cute and I liked them both.
Now, my concern was cake. I wanted something unique here too. Again I sought my friends for suggestions (one of them also suggested that I should make the cake myself, for which my straight answer was I wanted to make his birthday special and not spoil it!) and finally, I liked one of the designs (thanks to google which makes search so easy). The next question ahead was, where can I place an order for that cake. 2nd October, I started my survey. I went to Sweet Chariot, Nilgiris, and Just bake to find out whether they will be able to do it. But, all these places, I had to accept no as an answer. And moreover, I went through the albums they had, which contained, super man, spider man, bat man, cartoons, wedding cakes etc. I was loosing hopes by now. My last hope was a Christian Aunt that I knew. But, it was already late in the evening (6:30PM) and we had plans of meeting. Deepu’s sister had come down and I was going to meet her for the first time. I went to his place, met everyone, we went to temple and came back home and I pushed off from the place. I went to the Christian aunt on my way and asked her whether she could make one for me. Although she did not deny that she can, she did not assure me of the finishing and the feel. I dint want to take a chance. I said to myself, maybe I am asking for more. So, I decided I would go for some nice readymade cake.
Gifts were ready. I had to now plan as to when, where and how I will have to celebrate his birthday and hand over all my sweet gifts which meant a lot for me. Because, more than a t-shirt, more than a ring, they were a token; an expression, of my love towards Deepu!! So, I wanted the moment also to be special.
Plan 1
My first plan goes like this:
Wish him on 5th October in the midnight.
Get up early in the morning next day and land up at his house with just the cake and the t-shirts.
He will cut the cake, I will gift him the t-shirts.
Meet him after office and go to dine with him.
And just before the food is served, gift him the ring.
My main motive here was being this, that I should make him eat a piece of cake while he has not brushed his teeth (How dirty!!) :)
Plan 2 (Plan 1 revised)
Second plan was almost the same with a slight modification in time. I came up with this plan solely because, I felt, Deepu knows and understands me so very well that he would have expected that on 6th, I would go in the morning and wish him for his birthday. Only the gift would be a surprise, I thought. So, I changed the plan as below:
I would go to his place a little earlier to 12 in the midnight on 5th October (Going in the midnight, NO, Deepu wouldn’t have expected. Now, this is what is called SURPRISE!!).
Arrange the cake and the gifts.
Wait for it to be 12, enter his room and wake him. (But, just in case, if he has not slept yet, I would call to his mobile and ask him to open the door for me).
Then as usual, cut the cake, give away the gifts and get back home.
The next day’s dinner plan was also retained.
Questions are never ending. Now, I dint know how my plan (read: plan 2) can be executed. I had to take permission from everyone. And all of them should agree to it. I don’t know why I had doubts although my brother-in-law had told that my mom-in-law wouldn’t mind (Yes, I had already discussed with him about this possibility).
Strategy enlightened
3rd October, Deepu’s grannies had come to his house and Deepu insisted that I should visit his house so that they can see me. Although I went that day a little hesitantly, I did not regret, because, I got ample time to sit and discuss my plan with my mom-in-law. My sister-in-law gave complete support to my plan and my mom-in-law also just nodded and showed her consent. I was more than happy that 4th October just skipped from my calendar.
5th October, Sunday, as usual I slept till late, got a head massage done. Took bath quite late and my dad came up with his talks asking when I will go for shopping (shopping for formal engagement) with Deepu. And he insisted to go then itself. I too felt the idea was good and hence called Deepu. It was around 3:00 in the noon. I had totally forgotten that I haven’t got the cake yet. I asked him to drop me in Jayanagar while coming back. I said (lied) to him that I need to go to beauty parlor and gents are not allowed there. He did not concur to it. He never liked my idea of going alone in the night.
I suggested, I would go to parlor in the noon, finish and call him at around 4PM. He said, he would rather prefer that. Meanwhile, I went to Jayanagar and got the cake. He came home, picked me and we went shopping. I liked a dark blue stripes shirt (Generally, he prefers colors towards the grayish side). So, he said no to it :( We chose a shirt and a pant for him and were paying the bill; I was standing next to him completely tired, my body almost clinging to his. He looked at me and asked, ‘Shall I pick that blue shirt too??’ My lips stretched without any external force. And the gentle curve on my face conveyed I was genuinely happy. I smiled and said yes. He bought that too. I was happy thinking he would wear it for his birthday the next day. We headed from there, roamed around for some time and then he dropped me home (It was already 9:30 by then. I had insisted him to leave early, and go to sleep early. But, he got me late). He left to his house and I called my brother-in-law and said that I would call him when I reach their house and he should slowly open the door for me. He said yes. We tentatively decided the time to be 11:45PM.
My parents knew about all my plans from day 1. My dad was ready to come along with me to his house in the night. We were killing time. And at around 11:20PM, we left to his house. On my way, at 11:30PM, Deepu called (he usually calls me before he goes to sleep). He was very sleepy (and I was happy to know it). He kept saying he is sleepy and wants to sleep; I casually spoke to him for some time and put the phone down. We were near his house. I ringed my brother-in-law. He opened the door for us. I gained the entrance in to his house.
THE MISSION EXECUTED
The time was 11:40PM now. All were awake and sitting in the living room, watching TV. I arranged the cake and the gifts on the table and asked for a knife, kept it ready. Clicked one or two snaps of the cake. All was done and we all started the countdown, 15 more minutes were left. 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9...
When it was 12AM, we switched off all the lights. TV was still on and the arrangement could be seen in that light. So, I asked my brother-in-law to switch off the TV too. And when he did, I started screaming out of fear and ran to my mom-in-law (yes, I am scared of darkness and being alone). Later, my sister-in-law helped me get into his room. I went in, switched on the light and woke him up. He was shocked to see me there at that hour and he got scared too. He just asked 'what happened?' I led him out to the living room and switched on the lights. He saw the cake and the neatly wrapped gifts with eyes full of surprise. We all clapped. He sat down, took some time to understand what was happening. Then he slowly read the cream rich cake from which chocolate sticks were projecting out. ‘A warm birthday wishes to my husband-to-be DEEPU’ was inscribed on it. It did not take long for him to realize our plan. Looked at us all, with a gentle smile and the finest dimple. Then, he cut the cake, I made him eat and put some on his face too...
We all gave the gifts to him. I gave him two t-shirts first. He wore both of them one above the other. Then the next one, the ring, he opened the wrap, saw it and wore it. I showed my ring too (which I was already wearing) and said, ‘hope you remember these stones’. He nodded with a bigger smile this time.
We both were speechless. It was evident we were very happy. It was a timeless pleasure that we owned that moment. People around us were also more than glad to be a part of our happiness. It is only now when I am writing this post that I realize, it is not only tough but impossible to put it in words how excited I was about my plan being a SUCCESS!!
Later, we all had cake and since it was getting late, we said, we will leave, and my dad walked out.
His family (mother, brother, sister and cousin) stood up. I had still not given the chief and the most important gift to him (what is it?? No, it is not mentioned in here till now). I looked around once. Said bye to everyone. Walked up to Deepu, looked into his eyes, hugged him tight and kissed him. Dint dare to look at anyone else after that. Said happy birthday again and went back home.
Next day’s dinner plan was still there. But, I had got tremendous happiness with that night’s surprise party and having got the pleasure of watching my Deepu showing ultimate happiness in his every move and word. I had conquered the world. I was reigning. There was no end for my happiness.
6th October, I got up in the morning, hurried (as always) and rushed to office. Had no mood to be at office though. All the time, I felt I should be with him. The day seemed longer than the usual. I looked at my watch almost a million times and the time did not have mercy on me. It kept its pace. I was being impatient. It’s at about 4:50PM that he messaged. The text read that he would start in another 10 minutes and come to me before 5:30. My pulse became faster, my heart started thumping harder and I was thrilled. I eagerly waited for him.
It was 5:09PM when my mobile rang. He had left to my office. I spoke to him for about 15-20 minutes and then I shut down my system and ran to him. Did not forget to look in to the mirror when I went out. I was feeling as though I am seeing him after a long time. I had a strange, yet sweet feeling. There he was in that blue shirt that we purchased the previous day with the usual elegant smile on his face. I wouldn’t have mind to die a thousand deaths for that moment. I controlled my tears (of course, tears of happiness). Went up to him, gave a hug, kissed a hello and we headed.
My first candle light dinner
He asked me which place we were going. I said, Eden Park. He dint know the place, so, asked for land marks. I told him Vidhanasouda, GPO, Indian Express, and just behind Hindu. We went on and got lost. We were going round and round near The Hindu. Later, we asked for the route and reached the place.
We went in. Asked for candle light dinner for two. We were shown 2-3 places. We chose the best available. I asked for the terrace dinner, they told it was closed. We sat. Ordered starters and red wine!!! And (guess what!??) his phone rang :(. A drink was served and then came the starters. We found that the starters were too much, too heavy. And also he dint like the food so much. Now, he looked at me with so much love (or I looked at him with so much love) that I felt he was looking too good!! He held my hand and then, his phone rang (Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr >:( again!!?). This time, I really got irritated and it could be seen on my face. But, it was an official call and an important one (that's what I could incur from the conversation).
After the call, the main story begun. He started talking of his work and business!! How insane and unromantic, I thought. I felt like crying (remembering that is what he had talked about in our first meeting too). But lucky me, he could sense it. He took my hand in his, kissed it and said, 'I am sorry'. I looked at him surprised! He said, 'sorry, I started talking business'. No! This time, phone did not ring :). I was relieved. I felt proud that he understands me so very well that there was no need for me to tell what I felt. Before I could say, he had sensed it.
He recalled last night's surprise and when he expressed his gratitude, his eyes were brimming. Every word he spoke was soul touching. I can’t write anything more of it!! It leaves me with tears in my eyes... He loves me, and he loves me a lot.
Our drink got over and I was done with the starters too. We ordered for two more glasses of red wine. Spoke so many beautiful things while we drank. Then the main course. We ate. And the time was already 9:40. I dint like the ice-cream menu, so, we decided to move on.
As we got out to the car, I hugged him and wished him 'happy birthday'. We both were very happy. A timeless happiness, pleasure, and love.
We sat in the car. Started singing songs all the while. Stopped near a temple and prayed to god. Went to a sweet stall and bought some sweets to home. Headed home. He came in, gave the sweets to my mom. Sat for sometime and left.
Even now the moments are fresh in my eyes. His words were so magical. Some were really special. And of course a sweet little poem that he has written for me (he has promised to give it to me hand written).
This way, ‘Mission Birthday’ was a grand success. And all credit goes to Captain Roopa for making it possible ;)
Until late, we were under this impression that he would fly off back to work and hence, will not be here with me. But things changed. His travel plans got delayed. By the time I discovered that he is going to be with me on his birthday, I hardly had time to plan for his birthday.
Now, I started off on my mission – ‘Mission Birthday’.
Groundwork
I wished to give some extraordinary gift. The biggest question in front of me was WHAT!!? I suddenly got reminded about the two rubies that he had gifted me some time back. I dint know what to do of it, so, I had just sealed it in the purse and kept it in the safe and long forgotten!! I went up to the cupboard, took the stones out on my palm and gazed at them. I was still clueless as to what to do out of it. But yeah, I was sure I would get something done out of it, one for each of us. There were two options running in my mind – dollar, finger ring. I stuck to finger ring.
I went to the jeweler from whom we normally get the gold articles done. I showed him the stones and asked to make two finger rings out of it. I demanded that I would want it by 1st October. He refused. I dint know what else to do. I contacted a few of my friends and finally one friend told me about the jeweler in Malleswaram who would do it for me in time. The very next day (it was a Saturday) I went with her to that place and put it for making. My friend’s office is nearby that jeweler’s shop, so, I asked her to collect them for me. One of my worries was sorted. Previous to this week, I had severe cold and I had hardly recovered. Now, traveling so far in two-wheeler on those dusty roads wouldn’t have spared me so easily. I fell sick. I got viral fever. So, the mission was seized.
Days just passed by and it was already October 1st and my friend had collected the rings for me. My fiancée had gone out of station to attend a family function. Right opportunity it was for me to arrange for everything. I went out to shop for some more gifts for him. Again clueless as to what I should be buying. Finally, picked up t-shirts for him. On my way back home, I went to my friend’s place and collected the rings from her. They were cute and I liked them both.
Now, my concern was cake. I wanted something unique here too. Again I sought my friends for suggestions (one of them also suggested that I should make the cake myself, for which my straight answer was I wanted to make his birthday special and not spoil it!) and finally, I liked one of the designs (thanks to google which makes search so easy). The next question ahead was, where can I place an order for that cake. 2nd October, I started my survey. I went to Sweet Chariot, Nilgiris, and Just bake to find out whether they will be able to do it. But, all these places, I had to accept no as an answer. And moreover, I went through the albums they had, which contained, super man, spider man, bat man, cartoons, wedding cakes etc. I was loosing hopes by now. My last hope was a Christian Aunt that I knew. But, it was already late in the evening (6:30PM) and we had plans of meeting. Deepu’s sister had come down and I was going to meet her for the first time. I went to his place, met everyone, we went to temple and came back home and I pushed off from the place. I went to the Christian aunt on my way and asked her whether she could make one for me. Although she did not deny that she can, she did not assure me of the finishing and the feel. I dint want to take a chance. I said to myself, maybe I am asking for more. So, I decided I would go for some nice readymade cake.
Gifts were ready. I had to now plan as to when, where and how I will have to celebrate his birthday and hand over all my sweet gifts which meant a lot for me. Because, more than a t-shirt, more than a ring, they were a token; an expression, of my love towards Deepu!! So, I wanted the moment also to be special.
Plan 1
My first plan goes like this:
Wish him on 5th October in the midnight.
Get up early in the morning next day and land up at his house with just the cake and the t-shirts.
He will cut the cake, I will gift him the t-shirts.
Meet him after office and go to dine with him.
And just before the food is served, gift him the ring.
My main motive here was being this, that I should make him eat a piece of cake while he has not brushed his teeth (How dirty!!) :)
Plan 2 (Plan 1 revised)
Second plan was almost the same with a slight modification in time. I came up with this plan solely because, I felt, Deepu knows and understands me so very well that he would have expected that on 6th, I would go in the morning and wish him for his birthday. Only the gift would be a surprise, I thought. So, I changed the plan as below:
I would go to his place a little earlier to 12 in the midnight on 5th October (Going in the midnight, NO, Deepu wouldn’t have expected. Now, this is what is called SURPRISE!!).
Arrange the cake and the gifts.
Wait for it to be 12, enter his room and wake him. (But, just in case, if he has not slept yet, I would call to his mobile and ask him to open the door for me).
Then as usual, cut the cake, give away the gifts and get back home.
The next day’s dinner plan was also retained.
Questions are never ending. Now, I dint know how my plan (read: plan 2) can be executed. I had to take permission from everyone. And all of them should agree to it. I don’t know why I had doubts although my brother-in-law had told that my mom-in-law wouldn’t mind (Yes, I had already discussed with him about this possibility).
Strategy enlightened
3rd October, Deepu’s grannies had come to his house and Deepu insisted that I should visit his house so that they can see me. Although I went that day a little hesitantly, I did not regret, because, I got ample time to sit and discuss my plan with my mom-in-law. My sister-in-law gave complete support to my plan and my mom-in-law also just nodded and showed her consent. I was more than happy that 4th October just skipped from my calendar.
5th October, Sunday, as usual I slept till late, got a head massage done. Took bath quite late and my dad came up with his talks asking when I will go for shopping (shopping for formal engagement) with Deepu. And he insisted to go then itself. I too felt the idea was good and hence called Deepu. It was around 3:00 in the noon. I had totally forgotten that I haven’t got the cake yet. I asked him to drop me in Jayanagar while coming back. I said (lied) to him that I need to go to beauty parlor and gents are not allowed there. He did not concur to it. He never liked my idea of going alone in the night.
I suggested, I would go to parlor in the noon, finish and call him at around 4PM. He said, he would rather prefer that. Meanwhile, I went to Jayanagar and got the cake. He came home, picked me and we went shopping. I liked a dark blue stripes shirt (Generally, he prefers colors towards the grayish side). So, he said no to it :( We chose a shirt and a pant for him and were paying the bill; I was standing next to him completely tired, my body almost clinging to his. He looked at me and asked, ‘Shall I pick that blue shirt too??’ My lips stretched without any external force. And the gentle curve on my face conveyed I was genuinely happy. I smiled and said yes. He bought that too. I was happy thinking he would wear it for his birthday the next day. We headed from there, roamed around for some time and then he dropped me home (It was already 9:30 by then. I had insisted him to leave early, and go to sleep early. But, he got me late). He left to his house and I called my brother-in-law and said that I would call him when I reach their house and he should slowly open the door for me. He said yes. We tentatively decided the time to be 11:45PM.
My parents knew about all my plans from day 1. My dad was ready to come along with me to his house in the night. We were killing time. And at around 11:20PM, we left to his house. On my way, at 11:30PM, Deepu called (he usually calls me before he goes to sleep). He was very sleepy (and I was happy to know it). He kept saying he is sleepy and wants to sleep; I casually spoke to him for some time and put the phone down. We were near his house. I ringed my brother-in-law. He opened the door for us. I gained the entrance in to his house.
THE MISSION EXECUTED
The time was 11:40PM now. All were awake and sitting in the living room, watching TV. I arranged the cake and the gifts on the table and asked for a knife, kept it ready. Clicked one or two snaps of the cake. All was done and we all started the countdown, 15 more minutes were left. 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9...
When it was 12AM, we switched off all the lights. TV was still on and the arrangement could be seen in that light. So, I asked my brother-in-law to switch off the TV too. And when he did, I started screaming out of fear and ran to my mom-in-law (yes, I am scared of darkness and being alone). Later, my sister-in-law helped me get into his room. I went in, switched on the light and woke him up. He was shocked to see me there at that hour and he got scared too. He just asked 'what happened?' I led him out to the living room and switched on the lights. He saw the cake and the neatly wrapped gifts with eyes full of surprise. We all clapped. He sat down, took some time to understand what was happening. Then he slowly read the cream rich cake from which chocolate sticks were projecting out. ‘A warm birthday wishes to my husband-to-be DEEPU’ was inscribed on it. It did not take long for him to realize our plan. Looked at us all, with a gentle smile and the finest dimple. Then, he cut the cake, I made him eat and put some on his face too...
We all gave the gifts to him. I gave him two t-shirts first. He wore both of them one above the other. Then the next one, the ring, he opened the wrap, saw it and wore it. I showed my ring too (which I was already wearing) and said, ‘hope you remember these stones’. He nodded with a bigger smile this time.
We both were speechless. It was evident we were very happy. It was a timeless pleasure that we owned that moment. People around us were also more than glad to be a part of our happiness. It is only now when I am writing this post that I realize, it is not only tough but impossible to put it in words how excited I was about my plan being a SUCCESS!!
Later, we all had cake and since it was getting late, we said, we will leave, and my dad walked out.
His family (mother, brother, sister and cousin) stood up. I had still not given the chief and the most important gift to him (what is it?? No, it is not mentioned in here till now). I looked around once. Said bye to everyone. Walked up to Deepu, looked into his eyes, hugged him tight and kissed him. Dint dare to look at anyone else after that. Said happy birthday again and went back home.
Next day’s dinner plan was still there. But, I had got tremendous happiness with that night’s surprise party and having got the pleasure of watching my Deepu showing ultimate happiness in his every move and word. I had conquered the world. I was reigning. There was no end for my happiness.
6th October, I got up in the morning, hurried (as always) and rushed to office. Had no mood to be at office though. All the time, I felt I should be with him. The day seemed longer than the usual. I looked at my watch almost a million times and the time did not have mercy on me. It kept its pace. I was being impatient. It’s at about 4:50PM that he messaged. The text read that he would start in another 10 minutes and come to me before 5:30. My pulse became faster, my heart started thumping harder and I was thrilled. I eagerly waited for him.
It was 5:09PM when my mobile rang. He had left to my office. I spoke to him for about 15-20 minutes and then I shut down my system and ran to him. Did not forget to look in to the mirror when I went out. I was feeling as though I am seeing him after a long time. I had a strange, yet sweet feeling. There he was in that blue shirt that we purchased the previous day with the usual elegant smile on his face. I wouldn’t have mind to die a thousand deaths for that moment. I controlled my tears (of course, tears of happiness). Went up to him, gave a hug, kissed a hello and we headed.
My first candle light dinner
He asked me which place we were going. I said, Eden Park. He dint know the place, so, asked for land marks. I told him Vidhanasouda, GPO, Indian Express, and just behind Hindu. We went on and got lost. We were going round and round near The Hindu. Later, we asked for the route and reached the place.
We went in. Asked for candle light dinner for two. We were shown 2-3 places. We chose the best available. I asked for the terrace dinner, they told it was closed. We sat. Ordered starters and red wine!!! And (guess what!??) his phone rang :(. A drink was served and then came the starters. We found that the starters were too much, too heavy. And also he dint like the food so much. Now, he looked at me with so much love (or I looked at him with so much love) that I felt he was looking too good!! He held my hand and then, his phone rang (Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr >:( again!!?). This time, I really got irritated and it could be seen on my face. But, it was an official call and an important one (that's what I could incur from the conversation).
After the call, the main story begun. He started talking of his work and business!! How insane and unromantic, I thought. I felt like crying (remembering that is what he had talked about in our first meeting too). But lucky me, he could sense it. He took my hand in his, kissed it and said, 'I am sorry'. I looked at him surprised! He said, 'sorry, I started talking business'. No! This time, phone did not ring :). I was relieved. I felt proud that he understands me so very well that there was no need for me to tell what I felt. Before I could say, he had sensed it.
He recalled last night's surprise and when he expressed his gratitude, his eyes were brimming. Every word he spoke was soul touching. I can’t write anything more of it!! It leaves me with tears in my eyes... He loves me, and he loves me a lot.
Our drink got over and I was done with the starters too. We ordered for two more glasses of red wine. Spoke so many beautiful things while we drank. Then the main course. We ate. And the time was already 9:40. I dint like the ice-cream menu, so, we decided to move on.
As we got out to the car, I hugged him and wished him 'happy birthday'. We both were very happy. A timeless happiness, pleasure, and love.
We sat in the car. Started singing songs all the while. Stopped near a temple and prayed to god. Went to a sweet stall and bought some sweets to home. Headed home. He came in, gave the sweets to my mom. Sat for sometime and left.
Even now the moments are fresh in my eyes. His words were so magical. Some were really special. And of course a sweet little poem that he has written for me (he has promised to give it to me hand written).
This way, ‘Mission Birthday’ was a grand success. And all credit goes to Captain Roopa for making it possible ;)
