The Princess turns 1...

It's been over 7 months since I came to Melbourne, and in these 7 months there is one person whom I have missed the most in my life - Shreya.

Today, she completes the first year of her life. I still remember the day she walked into our lives. That has been the most beautiful day of my life till now. The day that changed our lives for ever.

Shreya would have added 1 year to her life, but she has also managed to reduce a few years from that of ours, with all the happiness that she so easily manages to infect people around her with.

When I was in India, I used to go every alternate week to Cochin, just to see her, to hold her in my arms. It was an amazing feeling to see her grow up.

I learnt a lot of things in those 5 months that I spent with her. I learnt how to hold a new born....how to put her to sleep...how to grab her attention...how to stop her from crying(not always)....how to guess that she was going to 'do it'(rarely)... :D

I even managed to learn how to change diapers!

While coming here, the saddest thing for me was the fact that I would miss seeing Shreya grow... :(

After coming here, internet has been the only means of seeing my angel. Moll and Shreya usually come to our place in Cochin once or twice in a month. Every time they come in, we catch up with each other through video chat. That's when I get to see my Shreya in action.

That's where I saw her sitting on her own for the first time...

That's where I saw her crawling for the first time...

That's where I saw her walking for the first time...

These days, when we video chat, she keeps running around the house, with Dad running behind her. Every chat session would usually end with a sore feeling - 'wish I could hold her in my arms'. :(

When I was in India, I used to capture almost each and every new move of hers, realizing the fact that I will have to travel to Melbourne soon. Today, the most prized possession that I have with me is my mobile, which has all those wonderful moments captured in it. Moments starting from her very first day in this world!

It is those moments that I use to fill the void in my heart. The biggest loss for me with this official trip would definitely be those moments that I could not spend with her.

With her Birthday approaching, I wanted to do something for her. I had initially thought of ordering gifts online. But, thanks to Karthik - my mentor at office, who had couriered gifts to India for his niece's birthday, I decided to send Shreya something from here.

I bought a few dresses, chocolates and a Teddy Bear for her. I also got a card for her in which I have inscribed my thoughts for her. She would not be able to make sense of it today, but I want her to read it years down the line and realize how badly her Uncle had been missing her and why he couldn't make it for her 1st Birthday.

The courier that I had sent from here, reached her on Friday. I am told that she is too fond of the Teddy Bear I sent and doesn't allow anyone to even touch it. :)



Today, as everyone gears up at Cochin to celebrate her 1st Birthday in a grand style, I can only close my eyes and try to imagine myself being there, seeing my Princess cut her 1st birthday cake with her Teddy Bear.



I am sorry Shreya for not being able to make it for your 1st Birthday. I wish I could be there. Whatever I had to tell you on your 1st Birthday, I have written in that card that I have sent you.

Miss you a lot sweetheart.

-AV