SIKANDER : EIGHTEEN YEARS OF PIOUS LOVE

The date is 19th November 2022, it's a very special day, I woke up to two big black eyes staring at me, as if saying "mother good morning, you woke up late again" "do you even sleep at night" I asked, kissing him on his forehead a daily ritual from past 18 years.

- Rachana Shukla

"Happy birthday Sikander, always rise and shine" was followed by long hugs. I fixed him his favourite breakfast and it was time to go and celebrate.

For his special day I have lined up a few activities around his energy levels. Celebrations at his Doctors clinic, an association which goes back 18 years. There after egg and chicken Langar for street babies, followed by a movie shoot, lastly a trip to a doggy cafe. A day full of pampering and giving him enough rest in between activities.

Doctor and his team were excited for the award and cake cutting ceremony, on a table decorated with balloons, Sikander looked like a little soft toy, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for being a good boy for 18 years. And a Trophy by his doctor followed by cake cutting. An accolade which he rightly deserves, though as a mother I felt he deserves at least 18 awards one for each year of his life.

After taking ample rest Sikander and I fed around a dozen street babies in his honour and it was heavenly to watch them gulp down the food in seconds. Feeding street babies is always a satisfying experience and if you have fed them once you want to do it again and again.

This was followed by a movie shoot to store the memories of his 18th Birthday forever with me. Sikander cooperated like a pro despite his age and he enjoyed every moment of the shoot. I am glad that I made the movie.