I remember how excited I was when your mom rang me up to give me the good news that she had conceived you and from that day onwards I have been weaving dreams. Strange that someone can get connected even before one is born. I loved you from the instant I heard that you were getting ready to join us. I would give your mom 'reiki' - the universal life force and pray that a good soul take birth. Neither your parents nor I was bothered about whether you were girl or boy, we just wanted you healthy and your mom in fine shape too!!!
I just couldnot wait to be with her. I came to visit her in June when you were just three months in her womb. We would spend days going to the doc and your dad was always prompt about that. Your mom took special care to eat right and we would listen to spiritual songs which Im sure you heard and enjoyed while in the womb. Then I had to return to Bangalore in August impatient to be back in December because that was the month you were due.
I returned to Kolkata well in advance and reached Jamshedpur where your mom was staying with her parents, so that she got the best care while you were born. I had already shopped for you...little sweaters and mittens, and booties and caps, napkins and rubber sheets...I felt I just had to be ready to welcome you. I bought two sets of each...pink and blue cos none of knew whether it would be a boy or a girl. I imagined l would come early and you would arrive to greet me, but you had other plans. You waited for your dad to arrive...that's the 24th of December...the due date mentioned by the doctors.
Early in the morning on the 24th your mom asked to be taken to the hospital and I accompanied her.
She's a brave girl your mom. While I waited patiently outside the OT, praying for her and for you, she was inside with the docs getting ready for your arrival. At 6.18pm I heard a loud cry, strong and assertive, announcing your arrival. I kept praying because I still did not know it was you. Then the nurse came out holding you and called out to me. The moment I set my eyes on you it was love at first sight. I held you only after about two hours and then with your head close to my heart I felt I was touching eternity. Here in my arms was a little bit of me, your granddad, your mom, her parents, your dad...you were the magic of God's wonderful mysteries.
Late that night your dad arrived right in time to meet you. We took him up to meet you and your mom and I put you in his arms. He was very nervous holding such a little bundle, but from the look in his eyes I knew he loved you dearly. And your mom now wakes up at all hours of the day just to feed you whenever you cry. You are the centre of attention here. In the photographs here you are two days old and you already seem to know your mind!!! I love you darling bundle of joy!!!
