To NikHiL

Dedicated to Nikhil, on the occasion of our 4^th anniversary as a couple. Thank you, for everything.

“ I was thinking how nothing lasts. And what a shame that is.” Benjamin Button, The curious case of Benjamin Button.

This beautiful, heart warming film, the best I’ve seen in a long, long, long time...touched my heart and made me cry. As is usual with things like this, it made me think. Of all the moments I wished would go on forever. Since this is dedicated to my better half, naturally I thought of moments with him :o)

- The first time we met, after 12yrs when we were kids. It was 5AM, and my heart leapt into my throat...as I saw the man I’d been in love with long distance for more than two years.

- The first bar of chocolate we shared.

- All the times you hug me when I cry.

- The time when I helped you make a treasure hunt for your sister...we went shopping...and finally after 4 hours, exhausted, we sat in a silver store choosing anklets for her, and though you hate PDA, you put an arm around my shoulders and let me rest my head against you.

- The time we went to pick out birdies for your mom.

- The times you read the Hanuman Chalisa out loud to me over the phone when I was scared.

- The times I used to sleep over the phone, you would make me sleep, sing me a lullaby.

- The first ice cream we shared. McDonalds soft serve.

- The feeling I had when you bought me the most beautiful shoes I’ve ever received, because they made even me feel my feet were pretty!

- The first time one of your tee shirts fit me!

- The time when we were at your place, and it was 3AM and we were up talking and had tea and biscuits.

- The time me, mom, aunty, sapna and you went shopping before your job interview and I bought 2 kurtas. It was the first time everyone realised that somehow to me, only your opinion mattered :o)

- The first time you woke me up when I stayed over at your place. You softly stroked my cheek with a finger till I woke up. Now I wish I hadn’t!

- The times you eat and enjoy something I’ve cooked for you.

- The afternoon we dined at Azzurro’s bar and restaurant, and the movie that followed [dasvidanya]. But mostly the lunch :o) it was an awesome afternoon. Pretty perfect.

- The first time we had a candle lit dinner...chinese... It was awesome feeding you noodles and more!

- The first time we got drunk together ;o)

- The time you took me to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix...even though you didn’t want to...and our families were off seeing Apne.

- All the times you say you don’t want French fries and then steal mine!

- All the times you hold my hand of your own accord.

- The time you said you missed “my haath ki chai because it’s perfect.”

- The first time we spoke over the phone.

- The time you told me, sullenly after a fight, that it was not possible for you to be without me now. “It’s not possible for me now.” You said and HMPF’d.

- The first New Year’s Eve we spent together.

- The time you told me, 4yrs back, that you were single and always had been!

- The time you babied me when I was sick and alone. Made me feel a whole lot better...! even if I was hospitalised that later that night.

- The first time you said you wanted a future with me, marriage and babies and all.

- The first time you said that my parents are your parents.

- The time you gave me a relaxing pedicure after hours of walking in heels :o)

- The time you told me, that I’m not just your girl friend, I’m your better half.

- Every time single time you tell me I’m a good doctor.

- The first time I sat behind you on your bike... :o)

- The first time I received a care package from you. It warmed my insides.

- Every time you come up with a new nickname for me.

- The time you oiled and massaged my hair/scalp and made a ponytail out of it and I gave you a head massage and back and shoulder along with oiling your hair. We were watching Munnabhai part 2. We laughed so hard and were so relaxed. I doubt we’ve been that relaxed since.

I could go on and on. Thank you, for all these moments and more. I never thought I could be so lucky as to deserve them.