An open letter to my granddaughter SIYA on her 16th birthday. 

My Dearest Siya,  

Happy 16th Birthday my darling. I can’t believe you are turning sixteen… it seems just like  yesterday that you were born!!!

The meaning of the name Siya is Goddess Sita and White Moonlight. The name and meaning are considered very auspicious. I don’t know how much we took this into consideration when we chose the name but it has absolutely come true. 

The day before you were born it absolutely poured cats and dogs and continued to rain all night. Your father stayed at the hospital with mum as her C Section was scheduled quite early and I was petrified that I would be flooded in the house so I left home at 6 am to ensure that I managed to reach the hospital in time. Dadu, big Nani  and everyone else from home left at a more respectable time and all managed to reach but I was taking no chances! There were a whole crowd of us waiting outside the operating theatre for the news and when I heard that I had a granddaughter I was absolutely thrilled and filled with emotion. Me and mummy just hugged each other with tears running down our faces… we were both overjoyed. 

The first time I held you in my arms I was smitten. My love knew no bounds. You of course became the focal point of our lives. As soon as we woke up we would call you down to play with you and we adored these moments. In fact Dadu would ring up from the office to see if you were  awake and if so he would come home straight away. I never used to let him forget that he never did this with his children but then I couldn’t blame him… grandchildren are different!! 

You are an absolute darling. So gentle, kind and considerate to another level. You were always a happy little girl and now you  have grown up to be a beautiful young lady. You are so caring… always coming into my room and giving me a hug and a kiss and when I ask you what that was for you always say ‘ because I love you’. So so sweet and touching. Siya, you have taken your bua’s love for animals to the next level. If you are not in your room I know we will invariably find you out on the verandah with Mischief, a stray cat you have  made friends with, curled up on your lap. You love nothing more than to make friends with all sorts of dogs and cats when you all  go on holidays… in fact the whole holiday is gauged by how many animals you befriended on each trip. 

Fortunately for us you are still extremely happy with the smallest of things we give you. I sometimes just give you a bag of gummy bears or a Cadbury chocolate and you would think I had given you the Crown Jewels!! I love your pure innocence and hope and pray that you  always stay like this. 

I love the fact that you come  to my room and chat with me especially when I tell you stories of your father and bua when they were small. The only person you fight with is Vivaan but I’m hoping this is just a phase and that you will grow out of it. I can just see you shaking your head at the thought of ever loving him but trust me my darling… there will come a time when you will love your brother and do anything for him… I promise you!!!

You love sitting in your room listening to music and either painting or reading. Your artwork is incredible and even though I might be a bit biased( just a bit!!!) you really are remarkable. I love how much thought and detail you put into each piece especially when you painted your wall. That is just too good!! Your favourite food is… fresh air so you are certainly not difficult on that front!! 

I can’t believe that in two years time you will go away to university. The selfish part in me wants you to stay here with us but I know that we have to give you the freedom to fly… so fly high my darling Siya and reach great heights .. and always remember that your ‘Ma’ only wants the best for you and will always be here with open arms whenever you come home. I love you so so much and hope you achieve all you dream for. Happy Birthday my darling and remember that I love you loads!!!

Lots and lots of love

Ma