Some relationships are gifted – Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter..
Some relationships are bonded – Husband, Wife..
Some relationships Blossoms – To me.. they are Aparna & Sriram

First let me wish them a Happy Anniversary, they were married on this very same day in 2011.

If any one of you is wondering what happened to VV to switch to BBC, well Aparna & Sriram both cannot read Tamil. Aparna’s name itself is her number plate name plate..whatever you name it. The first 2 letter indicates the state she is from A.P, Andhra Pradesh. It’s not good to write about someone in a language which they cannot follow, right?

It was around July 2014, Sriram came to my home with his friend in search of a Master room. I used to rent it then. A lean, soft-spoken 11 years younger to me Sriram impressed in his first look. If I had just said ‘Bhoo’, he would have been frightened. As you all know I am a nice person, didn’t do the practical. This is to let you know how soft Sriram was.

He said was married and would bring his wife and 1 year old son Karthik soon. I was excited and told him the rules, mainly kitchen is shared. “Sir, you don’t know about my wife. She won’t let you cook” was his response. Obviously not in challenging tone, but I was skeptical. In today’s world a wife cooking for her husband is gift, for in-laws a treasure. But who would cook for a house-owner?

Like a negative Covid test result excites, I was jubilant to be proven wrong. I had completely underestimated an Angel sorry this an alien term, it should be Annapoorani. Until her last day in Singapore, she took care of my Lunch & Dinner. She didn’t cook for the house-owner but for her own Brother. Later I understood that she had adopted me as Brother even before she had started from India.

Our first meeting scene was this. I returned home for Lunch. On that day after I had left for Office in the morning Aparna and Karthik had arrived from Hyderabad and Sriram had left for his office. I opened the door to see a slightly plump girl with a Charming face and a beautiful smile on it holding a baby boy greeted me ‘Namasthe Anna’. A sister was born on the spot..

The next one and half year was full of joy and celebration for all of us. The official Karthik was Kannailu to all of us. Even though I hadn’t discovered my Ventriloquism skill then, still had the knack of attracting kids.

He was so attached to me; it even made his father jealous. Sriram was craving for his son to come and sleep on his lap, Kannailu was doing it on mine. It was his home his uncle. I byhearted all songs from Atharinitike Dharedhi, his favorite movie. If any one needs proof, will sing Kattamarayuda…

Sriram and I were not only staying in the same home, but our workplace was also in the same building. He was working for a different company, HCL Technologies. Like me Sriram is also an ardent Rajini fan, his father too. Linga was released on 12-12-2014 on Super Star’s Birthday. We both enjoyed the First day first show at Boon lay GV Cinemas.

Sriram and Aparna were having a very exciting time in Singapore. They used to visit all attractions here, Kannailu would be ecstatic during the visit & exhausted on return. They also made couple of overseas visits to Bangkok & Malaysia during their stay. I am yet to visit Bangkok.. no silly imaginations, to take a snap with tigers.

I too was having my own enjoyment, getting all varieties of Andhra meals; Pesarattu, Allam pachchadi, Vangi bath..you name any dish all would be on the table. Stuffed Baingan was my favorite. Within 3 months of her arrival Aparna made me cross the magic figure of 60 Kgs. My MIL blessed her for this gain.

Gokulashtami celebration was grand that year, why not when you had your own Kannailu at home. With limited accessories Aparna turned him to little Krishna. But he was very uncomfortable with the silk attire. Ganesh Chathurhi brought out the artist in Aparna, turmeric Ganapathi was home made. She also hand-made Rakki for tying in my hand for Raksha-Bandhan.

Kannailu started going to play school. He was having fun. He was very energetic and naughty as well. Handling him was not an easy job. Any mother would have taken stick, but not once Aparna raised her hand. To be really frank this was the first time I learnt what it was to be a mother, the sacrifices she makes for kids.

In my observation Sriram and Aparna were contrasting in nature. Sriram is an emotional guy, he always wants to keep every one around him happy and would be very careful not to hurt them even unintentionally. He would apologize even for the mistakes that never happened. In office too he was so dedicated & workaholic.

Aparna is bold and courageous with clear vision but yet wouldn’t be bossy. She displayed the will power in full during the tough times when Sriram was facing a nightmare at office. He failed to realize that being a team player is not overburdening oneself with other’s failures. He was almost depressed. I witnessed the Savithri in Aparna to revive him to normalcy.

I too did my part to transfer knowledge and experience to Sriram in handling pressure situations at work. Also introduced to Kanchi Swami and directed to read his advice for leading a more meaningful life. Lord Venkateshwara is Sriram’s favorite. He wouldn’t miss the slightest opportunity to visit Tirumala and start any thing without seeking his blessings.

He once mentioned the location of my home in 7th floor and my name at once impressed to choose the place. Strange, isn’t it? But that was his belief and he followed my advice faithfully and along with sincere fasting coupled prayers of Aparna, he was able to come out of all his problems. He later sent photo of Telugu version of ‘Voice of God’ book he purchased.

The experiences Sriram gained in Singapore made him stronger. He relocated to Bengaluru in a new job and has been successful in his Career. When people hide their accolades and good fortunes from near & dear, Sriram still updates me on each and every small progress in personal and professional life. They are blessed with Junior Kanniah in 2017.

An unique trait of Aparna is worth mentioning, this would surely make husbands steam via ears. It is not unusual for wives to brag husband’s for buying golden ornaments. In case of Sriram it was opposite, he uses to beg her to buy and wear gold. Wait, before some one would try to call me, let me complete. She has no sisters.

Perhaps it was completely a strange role in my life. I was a teacher, observer and even student. Yes, I learnt a lot from them. Their love, bondage, trust and the way they both maintain relationships with everyone was a lesson to me. Every Thursday Aparna used to fast for Saibaba, it was an eye opener for me to observe my Ekadasi fasting in proper manner.

It is very hard to say who is gifted Sriram or Aparna, but they both deserved each other. I visited them once in Bengaluru with family in 2016. They will be in my thoughts forever. On this special day, I wish the family all happiness, cheers & success in life. I pray Kanchi Periyava and Jurong East Murugan to shower their blessings for this lovely couple.

Pl join me in wishing this beautiful couple a very happy anniversary.. Also, advance Birthday wishes to Aparna, which falls on 20th October.