Dear Arnav,
That summer
of 2008, we were panicking, your father and I, since you would make your appearance
soon and we didn’t have a name for you. This was in stark contrast to your brother,
we had his name picked even before we were married!! But then you cannot blame
us, we weren’t really expecting you. You’re the proverbial icing on the cake,
the unexpected, the surprise, the cherry on the pie, bonus, gift, christmas in
summer, I can go on and on, but I digress.
Coming back,
yes we were going crazy finding a name. Finally after what seemed like ages, we
found it - ARNAV.
Goes well
with Manav? Check.
Short and sweet?
Check.
People,
especially non-Indians can say it fine? Check.
What about
the meaning? A big body of water. Check.
Little did
we know that time how you would embody your name. A big body of water, a vast
ocean, blue sea, peaceful, calm, ready to embrace. Now you know why I always
want to steal a cuddle, a hug or even a peck if not a kiss from you. It just
calms me down, whatever state I am in, I feel soothed, happy and oh so good.
You are this
vastness of compassion and kindness ever ready to share and make others happy.
Something that cannot be taught, something that’s so deep within you, something
you were born with. Something so precious, but can never be taken away from
you.
You will
always spread joy and happiness wherever you go. Arnav, you have already lived
up to your name, so all we wish for you is:
Go places,
meet people, have million friends and give them the gift of feeling loved which
I get every moment I am with you. Except for the times you are mad at me and wouldn’t
hug me even if I beg and plead. Just like now, when I said “No” to another
episode of FLASH.
Love,
Mommy
1/11/2017
