Not So Happening Birthday!

Last week at exactly the same time (2:30) i woke up from sleep. It was my birthday. For a moment i regretted waking up simply because i didn't want to, that too at this hour. I switched on my phone and checked missed calls and texts from my family and friends. I thanked all of them for their wishes and went back to sleep after an hour or two.

In the morning when I woke up, It didn't feel as bad as I had thought it would. Maybe I had already experienced all the worst possible scenarios in my mind.
I didn't switch off and sleep early last night because i was sleep deprived or i was tired. I just wasn't ready and lowkey scared to be present in the moment where the clock hits 12 am, its my birthday and there is no one to hug, no one to share this moment with, just the same old empty room and its silence. With people asking my plans for the day, I didn't want to answer them that I had no plans and was going to spend the entire day alone in my room. All the people I love will be on the screen and not with me, these thoughts were lingering in my mind from 3-4 days prior.

Nevertheless, in the morning it felt lighter, half day was spent replying and talking to people, thanking them, making plans to meet, asking about their lives and so on. After the mood got better and a push from my mum and dad, plan was made to have iftaar cum dinner at Aslam Saket (highly recommended) and then watch a standup show. I got ready and reached PVR Anupam by 6:05.

At Aslam, I asked if I order now can you please serve it to me 5 mins before iftaar time. Zeeshan Bhai very politely replied “Bhai iftaar karna hai? sab saath mein iftaar karenge. aajao baith jaao” and pulled a chair to make me sit. To be honest, I was a little hesitant and reluctant because I went there to have dinner alone and now this man made me sit at this long table. So In a few mins, a bowl full of dates, a tray with fried samosas, pakoda, bread pakoda, aloo bada along with fruits and chana chaat was kept on the table. I started helping them sorting everything into separate plates for everyone and keeping each plate in front of each chair. In a matter of 10-15 mins, there were around 20-25 people gathered for iftaar. From managers of nearby stores to waiters at aslam and surrounding restaurants everyone was there. As I took the first bite and broke my fast with others, I felt good and really grateful for everything, I mean who would’ve thought but fate. I had my fav bhajiya (pakoda) for the first time in this ramzan and completed iftaar.

After this wonderful episode, I went to watch a lineup standup shows. Had a fun time some comics were really good, majority was okayish but yeah overall worth the time. After the show went back to Aslam’s and ordered Kadhai Chicken with a Garlic Naan and Coke (10/10). Mazee Aa gaye!. Thanked Zeeshan bhai for his special attention ;)

Weather was perfect. Neither too cold to put on a jacket nor that displeasing heat. I skipped metro and called a bike cab to make most of this weather. I love roaming around on South Delhi and Central Delhi roads, so capitalised on this oppurtunity. Reached flat in an hour and finally ended the day.

I am very thankful to everyone who took out time, wished me, remembered me. I am very grateful for each and everyone of them.

I also apologise for that child-like act that too on my 21st birthday (won’t repeat this ever again).

Cheers!