Kaho Naa … Pyaar Hai

Were it an ordinary day, being presented with a bouquet of red roses and a box of Ferrero Rochers would have had her wondering, “What’s he done now?”

But when the above items arrived on her wedding anniversary last week, mom blushed like the bride she had been 13 years ago, her heart hammering the way it did when dad first laid eyes on her.

She had barely recovered from his phone call that morning wishing her a happy anniversary. “Wow, you remembered?” was her first thought as she said, “Thank you, same to you,” even though he has never forgotten once in all their years together.

“What’s Appa going to give you?” the little one wanted to know the previous day.

“Probably nothing, as usual,” thought mom, conveniently forgetting their tacit agreement of not exchanging presents for birthdays or anniversaries. Instead, she hugged her child close to her and said, “Appa isn’t even here. Besides, I don’t need anything (true!); I have everything I need (very true!).”

“Well, I want more jewelry, another handbag, pink shoes, a Barbie set …” began Kuki, counting items off on her fingers.

Two hours after dad’s phone call, a dumbfounded mom stood by the front gate signing for a special delivery of red roses and a box of candy. There was no need for grandma to ask who the flowers were from - the look on mom’s face said it all.

“Ooh, roses!” squealed Kuki as soon as she spotted the buds on the dining table. “Does this mean Appa loves you very much, Amma?”

I don’t know … he’s never said anything.