Happy Birthday Dad

Today is a special day! Not because it considered one of the most auspicious days of the year 2005, but because it’s dad’s birthday.

As usual I have spent an agonizing last few days trying to figure out what I could get him, how I could make his day enjoyable. Like Susan Sarandon’s problem with Richard Gere in ‘Shall we dance?’ there is nothing that I can get him which fits in a box.

Mom and I have tried many gifts, from mobile phones, to the entire set of the TV series ‘Yeh jo hai zindagi’; from briefcases to books to music to clothes. Eventually the ideas have run out. He has already acquired all the little oddities that he enjoys. I know a few things he would love, but had they been available, he would have had them already.

For many years, we as a family would shove off to Goa and celebrate his birthday there. I don’t think he has ever enjoyed his birthdays more than those. The first time we were there, some friends of his decided to get the hotel to make a cake for him; in the shape of a woman’s naked abdomen. I was mortified, I was also 11.

Another year, we had an impromptu gathering with some friends who were there as well, and some people who we had just met there. Someone brought a guitar, and the party was on in the lawn outside our cottage.

But Goa isn’t possible every year, so one year mom and I decided to make summer fun come to us. We had a party on the poolside of my grandparents’ house. Everyone swam and ate and drank and had a blast.

I don’t know when we will be able to celebrate his birthday like that next. But I do hope it is soon. Actually when I think about it, if I were to carefully plan this out, maybe I can put things together for his birthday next year from now! Not only will it be a great gift for him, but it will also ensure he spends this day as he likes best.

Looks like I have a goal for the coming year. I had better start cracking… Happy Birthday dad, thanks for inspiring me to do and be everything good… I love you! This time next year, I’ll wish you on the beaches of Goa…