“To the One who made me a Mom : My First Born”

I was never the one who did coochie coo to every baby she saw and got broody within a year of marriage. But when I eventually did get pregnant, I was not sure how I was going to deal with the maternal side which I clearly lacked. Watching my two friends take to motherhood so naturally, I felt sorry for my unborn child. But when he did make an entrance into this world, I was surprised by the rush of emotions I had for this little person who had the power to completely take over my life and I was a more than a willing participant.

Here he was, a part of me, looking at me with those eyes expecting me to guide him through life and teach him all what is expected from a parent. He was my first born. I named him Nikhil which in Sanskrit means universal and resilient. Such an apt description for a little boy who turned out to be just that — determined, resilient and tough. Overcame so many challenges in his life whether it was health, different schools, loss of a very loved and revered grandparent, bullying, pressures of education, living all alone in a far away land and job hunting. He took it all in his stride.

He became my friend and son right from the time he was a wee little one, following me round on his tricycle in my first house in Manipal. We would go everywhere together, perched on the kiddie seat while we cycled round the town. We had our share of falls which he would just brush aside by saying, “I’m strong, don’t get hurt!! I’m He-Man!!” He had the best of childhoods – playing in the sand, coming home with bruised knees but happy having spent hours in the open with kids and no technology in sight! He loved playing with his plastic toy soldiers and tanks sprawled on the ground of his bedroom with Uncle Devan planning battle scenarios.

As years went by, my wee man became my friend and emotional support. He has been a great elder brother to his sister. He pampered her more than I did. In fact, he would scold me if I was too strict with her. He has always been very protective of her. I can always get an honest unbiased answer if I asked him for advice. When he went to Canada, so far away, both Rima and I missed him loads but he came back a changed man. So full of new ideas and brimming with confidence, that no wonder he succeeded in his venture to be his own boss and run his company. He has juggled a few jobs, stood on his own two feet, worked hard for what he has achieved and is enjoying the fruits of his labour.

Today, on the eve of his birthday, I dedicate this post to my first born, the best son a mother could hope to have, to a hard working selfless human being, to a boy who has tried to fulfil the dreams he had shared with his granddad, to a brother who had said that the squirming little baby in the crib was the prettiest girl in the world and still does today!

Happy Birthday Niki ❤