The day started a little late—around 8:30 AM—as we’d returned home at 1:30 in the morning from Krishna Madhav’s birthday celebration at Upvan Resort. It was a fun evening, full of warmth and familiar faces.
At the party, I met Neha’s family, and just as the clock struck midnight to mark the beginning of 18 May, they wished me warmly. It was a small but memorable moment. After that, we drove back to Gandhinagar, reaching home around 1:30 AM, and I went straight to bed.
This birthday felt different. For the first time in years, there were no midnight calls, and very few midnight messages. Kaushal sent a message, but no call—something that hasn’t happened in a long time. Ashraf didn’t call. Puja didn’t either. It was unusually quiet. But I understand—everyone is juggling their own storms, be it personal problems, work stress, or life just pulling them in different directions.
Still, the day unfolded in its own gentle rhythm. The Siblings WhatsApp group lit up with wishes. Rupjyoti and Utkarsh Baxi also messaged me on WhatsApp. Puja’s message came later in the day. Friends and colleagues at The Leela—Dhara included—also reached out with their wishes.
One message that truly stood out came from Papa. He sent a heartfelt note that felt like a warm embrace from afar:
[10:46, 5/18/2025] Papa BSNL:
This most loving 18 is the best MAY for US dear. Many many happy returns of the day ❤️ dil se. Wishing you a very very Happy Day with my blessings ❤️ dil se, and Maa Kali bless you…
[10:47, 5/18/2025] Papa BSNL:
Most Happiest Birthday
[10:47, 5/18/2025] Papa BSNL:
This 41st…
After waking up, I went to Transformers Gym and focused on heavy weight training—legs and shoulders day. I’m still working on reaching 8–10 reps per set. My goal is to hit 12 clean reps before moving on. There’s progress to be made, and I’m in it for the long run.
One of the most heartwarming parts of the day was when Piyalee baked me a cake at home. It was such a lovely, thoughtful effort—it wasn’t about perfection, it was about the love behind it. And that made it more special than anything store-bought.
Later, I spoke with Ma, Papa, Bina Bua, and my in-laws—Pinki, Sonu Bhaiya, Sinki—and also Palash Gupta. Utkarsh remembered my birthday too, and I treated them all through Zomato as a small virtual celebration.
In the afternoon, Piyalee and I went to The Leela. As luck would have it, we ran into Darshan, Reena, and Hansraj—completely by accident—thanks to a reel Reena had posted on Instagram. The hotel staff were incredibly warm and kind, allowing us to cut a cake and even serving champagne. That small, spontaneous celebration felt like a moment of grace.
Afterward, we headed to Palladium Mall. Piyalee wanted to buy me sunglasses as a gift, but I told her we’d get them another day from somewhere else. We returned home, and later that night visited Heena’s place. The day ended on a sweet note—quite literally—with ice cream at Rangoli.
My intermittent fasting schedule went completely off track. Too much sugar, too much indulgence—but maybe that’s okay once in a while. Some birthdays aren’t about grand gestures or loud celebrations. Some are quiet, simple, and unexpectedly touching—and maybe those are the ones that stay with you the longest.
(P.S. – Just a personal reflection, captured for my own memories)
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