The Birthday I Ruined

Hailing from a large extended lovely family of fifty-six members, it’s damn tough to remember the milestone days of every family member. However, I try my level best not to forget their special days and make it a point to greet them over the telephone. I don’t stump at all when I’ve to buy a gift for them. My selection always matches their expectations particularly when I get something for my own family. And I’ve seen them being invariably pleased and surprised the whole day. The happiness I get to see on their faces makes ‘their day’ mine too. 

  This year as my Chechi’s birthday was nearing, my family and I planned a surprise birthday lunch for the birthday lady at a nice restaurant. The four birthday planners had also taken an oath that we would keep the secret quiet around her. But, when it came to get a birthday gift for her, the other birthday planners fell upon me. Of course, they knew that I had been keeping my ears wide open since her last birthday to take mental note of what Chechi preferred to have as a gift for her birthday this year. I racked my brains to find out the perfect birthday gift that would surprise her as she recently embraced the most defining role a woman can ever have. After so much dedicated research, I bought an online gift for Chechi and thought of presenting it to her when she would be coming for the surprise birthday lunch. 

  The day of my Chechi’s birthday arrived. My Chettan brought her to the venue of the surprise lunch without even giving her the slightest clue. The reception staff of the restaurant welcomed her by giving her a bouquet and escorted her to Table No: 10. To our disappointment, there was no radiance on her forever pleasant face. She didn’t look thrilled. There was no enthusiasm on her face when she cut her birthday cake too. I moved towards her and presented the gift we bought for her. She received and opened the gift box without smiling. 

  Understanding the cold scenario, Appa asked all of us to be seated for the lunch. Chechi sat next to me. While having the lunch, I asked her if she loved the gift. I knew that she wouldn’t talk to me just like that as we were not on talking terms since the mid of August. 

   Anyway, I kept pestering her with the same question. 

  Finally, she broke her silence and said to me what I had been hearing for the past one whole month. She responded: “Ammu, I felt extremely terrible when you refused to accept your most potential suitor at the last minute saying that he was just never your ‘guy.’ I was shaken when you opened your heart to us and laid out your personal reasons for not getting married right now. I was lost when you initially said ‘No’ to your Schengen Student Visa. And at this crucial point of our lives, you think I would be able to love this gift of your's?”  

I kept quiet for a while as I never expected such an accusation again and again from her. Yet; plucking up my courage, I told her: “I don't have a problem moving to an exotic land if it is your remedy to cure the malady. But I would like to believe that it is just another illogical ‘punishment’ method from your side apart from this one month long silence.” 

Hearing my words, the birthday lady stood from her seat and cried out: “Ammu..You’re a narcissist. I hate you.” She then walked out of the restaurant.