When we first moved into our property thirteen years back almost to this day, the daughters (they were barely nine and three then) and we were fascinated by the multitude of fireflies in the forest. We had not yet put in any of outside lights or structures yet – so it used to be a panoply of ephemeral fluorescent dots darting across a impenetrably dark backdrop.

For the sound effect, there used to be the constant drone of crickets all over us. All we would do is just grab a couple of chairs and immerse ourselves in raw nature.

Last evening, I took the dog out for a walk. It was getting dark already. And as I walked up to our gate, we saw a familiar scene from yesteryears again. Of course, the fireflies come every summer. It is just that something called life has rudely interjected my routine. Stood there watching the fireflies and took a short video.

The dog eventually got impatient and insisted on going out of thee property for his walk!

Sharmila had a full day yesterday. So, we went out to our favorite bar after dinner for a quick glass of wine (gin and tonic for her). We had the whole huge bar pretty much to ourselves. Guess what we did?

I introduced her to Kenken puzzles and started solving a few together! For a novice, she was surprisingly quick…

Since Sharmila and Natasha are in New York, Nikita and I went for an evening walk for a couple of miles. On the way, we solved a math problem!!

I know I am supposed to be trying to get on to my unicycle or at least finish out a few more pages of the book I am reading … but then again there is the cool temperatures outside, a nice fire, a strong cocktail, the faithful dog and Sharmila…. hmmm… I am indeed a weak man!

Came back home from my run to a veritable storm hit zone. The three women at home, obviously have been at each other’s throats.

I felt the innate urge to finish off some yard work – really any yard work – come upon me stronger than ever before.

Which meant, I went to the poolside with a drink and relaxed in the sun. Eventually the two daughters came over.

The elder one was all complaining.

I asked her “Why are you letting that affect you?”

“Well, you are never here when mom has all these fights with us.”

To which, Niki added “… and we admire that quality in you.”

I could not help but laugh aloud!!

A little past 10 PM, somebody handed me this bundle of life. I was still mesmerized by the process of childbirth. Sharmila had a C-section after a long day of labor and epidural shots. I was totally taken in by how modern surgery works. As the knife went through the human body, what hit me was that there was no blood hurtling out. All there was some steam/smoke and hissing sound. Much later, I found out how today’s surgical instruments auto-cauterize.

After the incisions had gotten to a certain level, the doctor told Sharmila – “You will feel some pressure”. A few of them applied pressure around her underbelly and soon I was seeing something I had not seen ever before. There was a human body lying down. And up from the belly was a popped up head. All bloody, pale white and crinkly. A few deft cleanups from the staff and the head had started leaving the mothership and started its presence felt with this full-throated cries.

The doctor – who till that point of time – had been peppered with all sorts of questions from me (and patiently answered them all) explained that the irritating noise was a good sign. Apparently, the lungs were functioning.

I had stepped to the front of the bed to tell Sharmila that everything is fine. I think she asked me some questions and I might have even answered them. All I remember next is that the same doctor then took a few steps and handed over the baby – now fully wrapped – to me.

“I have to say this. You are the most curious dad I know. Nobody has asked me so many questions.”
“Sorry if I bothered you doc. I have never seen a child birth before.”
“No issues. But for all that curiosity, there is something that is still surprising me”.
“What is that?”, I asked confused.
“Do you at least want to know if it is a boy or a girl?”

I had completely forgotten! We were told it will be a girl but that these things can change in rare occasions. (It happened to my dear friend Sunil and Anannya Roy – it is all about presence or absence of evidence, if you know what I mean, in the sonogram)

Stunned, I asked “What is it?”
“A daughter!”
“Cool”, I said relieved that I do not have to fight over the whole naming thing with Sharmila all over again.

And that is how this now-22-year-old became mine!

Happy Birthday, Natasha!