Anubhav's birthday!!

The morning air of September always brings a rush of memories for Suman. It's the month of Anubhav's birthday, a day that now exists only in her mind, yet feels more real than most. He's a part of her, a memory woven into the fabric of her being, as constant as her own thoughts.

She finds herself in the kitchen, a quiet smile on her face. A simple question pops into her mind: "What would I have made for him?" Anubhav was never one for grand gestures or expensive gifts. He just wanted to be with the people he cared about.

But Suman always wanted to give him something special—a meal made just for him. His birthday is in a week, and her mind drifts back to his words about the curd rice his mother used to make. Suman wishes she could have learned that recipe, a tangible link to his past.

"Tell me what you want for breakfast," she whispers to herself, imagining he's there with her. "Poha? Puri? I’ll make it for you and eat it myself, just for you."

Lunch is another matter entirely. Anubhav was a true foodie. Suman remembers the last time they were together. He was so engrossed in his seafood biryani, completely satisfied, and that's all that mattered to her. She just wanted to see that joy on his face forever.

Now, her life is different. Her husband is a foodie too, but a vegetarian, which limits what she can cook. And her energy isn't what it used to be.

Still, the thought of Anubhav's birthday lingers. After her husband and child leave for the day, she's alone with her thoughts. She can’t help but wish she knew more of his favorite foods. "I’ll order a biryani," she decides. "And eat it all by myself." Her husband won't eat it, and her kid can't handle the spice. It's a special day, a day to celebrate the person who made her feel seen.

We all want to be happy. But the happiness of being truly seen by someone is invaluable.