Five times five.

1985.

On her first birthday we had a huge party. I made for her a sailor suit dress. She got an yellow tricycle and she spun along on that the whole morning. She had cakes and balloons and the works. Amidst all this, I took her out for her afternoon walk in her new shoes. Red and white checked with whistles or some such things in it....which squeaked when she walked. I remember the photo-frame-vision..... walking in Golf Green, new shoes, white sailor-suit, her soft curls brushed back and a glorious smile !!!!

1986.

Second birthday was quieter. There was a Baby brother who took a lot of my time. I got her a white and blue skirt and blouse. Took her to Good Companions where she chose a rag doll - Tina MumMum. We went to Kwality's for an ice cream. Tutti-Frutti, which we shared. Then to College, where I left her in Ranjan's charge while I took a class. On the way back we stopped at Paragon to buy a Magic Painting book. Baby's Day Out.

1987.

Third Birthday. Very quiet. She was recovering from an appendectomy and the brother from a fractured leg. I took the day off. We had a quiet lunch of pea-bhattu and happy birthday maachh (read doi-maachh). This became the signature dish on all birthdays till they grew tired of it. She got a pair of plastic roller skates. And wonder of wonders, by the time her Dad came back from work, she could skate unaided around the small flat we had then.

1988.

Fourth Birthday. In the Park Circus house. A huge lunch. Cousins, grandparents, family, extended family and even more extended family. Her Dad got her the most marvellous bicycle that I have ever seen. It still is with us. She got a whole set of books. She got to chose her birthday dress....a blue and white striped dress. But we still stole time and had a quiet dinner.....just the two of us ........at a neighbouring Tibetan joint.

1989.

Fifth Birthday. A gala party. Family and cousins. School friends (Susmita, Noella, Bisma, Radhika.....a few more), the neighbourhood children. Three cakes......one chocolate, one strawberry, one homemade. English Yonex roller skates. She was obsessed with skating. Much to Toro's disgust who did not like the noise. I got her music cassettes and a book. We still went out for lunch. This time to Arunda's canteen (SXC) where Arunda declared he has fed and brought up three generations.....my Dad, me, my daughter. (What Arunda did not know then was that he was to continue serving lunch to both my children till he retired). End of the day, after a thorough scrub-bath, a warm and rosy bundle whispered a soft "Thank you, Mamma". I will never forget this photo frame either.

2009

Five times five now. We have come a long way. I sent her a red T shirt. Some books. No lunch materialised though.