As I ushered in the Bengali New Year, I could not resist smiling, for I was happy.
I have such wonderful people in my life, many I love, some love me back.
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A couple of days earlier, I cut class to catch an afternoon show of 'Charulata' - it was great :)
Soaked in rain, Kelly and I walked in to my first opera that same night -- 'Don Giovanni' - it was phenomenal!
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At the stroke of midnight in India, my phone rang while at lunch with a friend.
He does not think much of birthdays, but he was the first to wish.
He gave me a kiss. When I said, "Just one?" He said, "There can only be one best, and I saved it for you."
I was told I blushed.
The next 24 hours were surreal. I was overwhelmed by the love and warmth.
Despite taking my birthday off from social networks, I was showered with wishes.
My family woke me up to wish "Bon Fete" and cut a beautiful ice cream cake.
Baba made the most amazing pulao and chicken, and payesh too -- Shimui, my favourite!
My best friend arranged a surprise dinner :) I had my first legal drink.
And although I'm not much for gifts and formalities, one, rather seven, I treasure: Herzog's films!
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Saturday, I had some of my closest friends with me. Some I hadn't seen for years.
Some I missed, but were in my heart.
Twirling in a red dress on a terrace overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dancing the night away into the dawn...
21... no longer a little girl.
And yet...
4 am Chicken & Rice... piggy back rides... running down ascending escalators... piling on a single bed
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Sigh... :)
