
It’s time for the second installment of Friday Reflections! And what a month I had!
Through Heaven and Hell
If you’ve read my previous post at Friday Reflections, you’d know I was literally on the edge of my seat. I was scared, angry and depressed because my mum was ill.
She is much better as I type this. She is home with my Dad, little sister, and niece and she is slowly and steadily recovering. Thank God! But we as a family had been through heaven and hell the 22 days she was in the Intensive Care Unit and I couldn’t watch my Dad so sad and heartbroken anymore. Though they fight like cats and dogs, I knew then that they are madly in love with each other and there is no life for one without the other.
Thank you for sending all the healing vibes. It meant a lot.
Superstition or Prayer?
As she lay in the ICU battling for her life, I prayed to the Lord Almighty, “Give my Mom back and I will sacrifice all my favorite foods and become vegetarian for a year“.
Please don’t come at me.
I know there is absolutely no logic to what I prayed, that I can’t equate Mamma’s life to something as frivolous as non-vegetarian foods. But this was what I said during my non-stop prayers and never-ending tears streaming down my face.
If you know me or about my food blog Something’s Cooking, you’d know I am a hardcore non-vegetarian. So much so that I cannot imagine having a meal without even an egg on my plate. It is indeed quite a big sacrifice if you think about it. And I am happy to say that I have braved those trying times in this past month of being vegetarian. Yay me!
10th Wedding Anniversary
It’s true that God tests your faith through difficulties. This month was supposed to be a life-changing and happy month for us as a family. But a couple of months ago, something that was mine was snatched away so cruelly and brutally from me, never to return. I had lost all hope and when I say I couldn’t even imagine living, I am not exaggerating one bit. I became afraid of darkness and had the worst bout of panic attacks and I do not wish for anyone to go through what I did.
The most trying part? P wasn’t with me. He couldn’t, thanks to his job.
Life in the Army is not always a bed of roses. Imagine not being able to be with your wife when she needs you the most in life. Again, I wouldn’t wish that for anyone.
It’s been ten years since I married this man. This wonderful, loving man.
Of course, there were difficult times, especially in the initial years when I was clueless about how to love someone like him ‘cos my imagination of a husband and he was polar opposites. But then came a time when a realization dawned on me.
This was it. He is the one.
I don’t know how, when, and where. It just feels surreal.
So, when he couldn’t be with me when I most needed him, I understood he was hurting too.
Isn’t that what love is? Of what anniversaries are all about?
Of celebrating the years you’ve grown into the best version of yourself, together. Of being emotionally mature and selfless. Of disagreeing about small things but being on the same page about your personal values.
The Surprise and Ticking Off from my Bucket List
Of course, we couldn’t celebrate our anniversary together since Mum was ill. We had plans but I guess that’s okay. Life happens.
I couldn’t let it go, though. I had to commemorate this milestone somehow. And I knew how. Could you watch this video?
I always knew I’d get inked! But I was sure I’d never get a name or initials tattooed on my body. And then this man came into my life. And the rest is history. ✨🥰🧿
What happened behind the camera was a lot of tears (yes, he cried 🙂 ), kisses, and happy smiles.
Muffy’s New Home
Muffy is finally here in Delhi. It was heartbreaking to see my Dad saying bubye to him, after all, he was the apple of my Dad’s eye for three years. They still chat on video calls (trust me, it is too cute to see Muffy perking his ears up and wagging his tail when he hears Dad’s voice) and I can’t wait to see them reunited.
Muffy is adjusting to his new home well. He has, at least trying to, make some new friends.
Non-stop Parties and Get-togethers
My husband and I attended his Regiment’s Raising Day, after almost six years. Five days packed with events one after the other, with barely half an hour to change in between, it was indeed a celebration!
From official dinners to Bollywood theme parties to dancing till the wee hours of the morning, we had a blast.
The Aditya to my Geet 🙂 (-Jab We Met)
I let loose and it was indeed liberating.
I made so many friends and made memories that I would cherish for a lifetime. You must follow me on Instagram because you could see live updates almost every day, cos’ as they say, “Abhi toh party shuru hui hai” (The party has only begun). The get-togethers are in full swing even after coming back to Delhi and that’s the beauty of this place.
Right at this moment, I am glad I decided to unfasten and relax.
I feel happier, freer, and more content.
Oh, and trust me, I didn’t even have a bite of those luscious Mutton kebabs they served during the Barakhana! I didn’t even feel like it. Pat on the back, Shalu!
One Year Older and Wiser
I celebrated my birthday with his Regiment since the 28th of February is also Unit Raising Day. Both of us were smothered with cakes and my pure Kanjeevaram silk saree is damaged beyond repair. Nevertheless, we danced till four in the morning, like two insane souls, with friends who are more like family.
I also had a surprise cake-cutting arranged by a handful of loving ladies from the Unit. This bunch has got my heart!
My husband also took me to the Taj Hotels for a beautiful dinner with live music.
It was indeed a happy birthday.
Books, Books, and More Books
I found solace in books when I was in the hospital taking care of mom. It was a welcome distraction because I didn’t know how to survive without an escape from reality. I read 11 books back to back in those 22 days. I hope I continue to read more books in the coming months as well.
That’s all from me!
I hope you had a fantastic month and here’s to an even better March!
Let me know in the comments below how your February went or your plans for this month.


Here’s how #FridayReflections works:
- Every 1st Friday of the month, you are invited to write a post based on the prompts provided or free write. Use the hashtag #FridayReflections.
- Join our Facebook Group.
- Add your link to the pinned thread on the group.
- Use the #FridayReflections badge given below to encourage other bloggers to join in too.
- Visit and comment on the posts of other bloggers linked here.
I so glad that you are seeing happier, enjoyable days, Shalini.
Congratulations again on your anniversary and birthday! I’m glad you have P in your life. Sometimes our notion of the kind of husband we want is different from the kind of hub we need! ♥
Wishing you, P, your parents and the whole family good health and blessings through the rest of the year!
I am happy for you, Shalini. After being in hospital for almost a month your mom is recovering well and you have gone back to your happy self. This post was doused in your happiness. Felt so good reading about the anniversary surprise, get-together, and happy moments. May you be showered with love and joy always!
Vinitha recently posted…FICTION MONDAY – 140
February has sure been a full month for you. I’m glad your mom is better and that Muffy is with you. My Febrary too was spent in the hospital with mom. I too binge read to stop thinking of the what ifs …Our books always come to our rescue, na?
Love the pictures of the two of you together. Keep smiling always!
So glad to know that your mom is better and things are slowly easing back for your parents. Isn’t it wonderful that Feb has been kinder to you in so many ways—such a mix of beautiful experiences, really! Wishing you and P a lifetime of love and togetherness and discovery as you live through the ups and downs together, despite the distances!
May things get better for you and your parents from here on…enjoy the good times, Shalini and stay strong!
Best wishes,
Esha
Very happy to see you happy and for things looking up, especially your Mums health. Prayers do work.
You will realise turning vegetarian is a life-altering process. You will feel lighter and in my case I lost lot of weight. But I could sustain it for just about 2 years, and 1 year being vegan.
Happy birthday and happy anniversary. We also celebrated ours last weekend, and feel so blessed to have my Dh and precious family.
Enjoy all the parties and to loads of joy, love and laughter for Muffy, you and your DH.
Natasha recently posted…Türkiye | Sky Watch
Many ups and downs in Feb, but that’s how life is. Iam glad it ended well with parties, get-togethers and celebrations. Iam happy that your mom recovered. I wish you a happy match Shalini.