Birthday blessings

The day Shaz turned 24, had dawned at last! Her close workmates, Mr. G, Ruwi, Sachi, Demi and Anu, were busy planning a surprise. The clock struck 2 pm - her workmates were teaming up not even sparing a thought for lunch - but the fairy of the day had gone missing...

“Where is Hot Number?” asked Mr. G, who was looking forward to give Shaz a memorable hug.

“She said something about donating blood. I tried to get through to her, but she doesn’t answer. Let’s wait. She’s sure to stride in any minute soon,” Ruwi responded, dropping the receiver for the fifth time in the half an hour that swept by. Yet, her mind was elsewhere wondering if her friend was under the weather

However, Ruwi proved herself right, for everybody could see bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Shaz making a dash into office huffing and puffing with a huge cake. It is surely the largest cake that had ever been brought to the Editorial! While everyone was joining in the merriment, Shaz gathered her close workmates:

“I want to give you all a treat at our coffee shop . Aney, Mr. G. please say yes, you have to join us somehow, ok?”

After placing the order, Shaz took her camera out to show pictures of her special day.

Blimey! Not only had she donated blood, but she had spent time at an orphanage too. Isn’t that something to be proud of? Our usually playful, happy-go-lucky Shaz! Who would have thought she would be up to something like this?

Shaz’s talk was on Sachi’s mind.

“Shaz, you have celebrated your birthday the most ideal way. Congratulations and keep it up,” Sachi extended his hand, full of admiration, and the others followed suit.

“Even though I do not celebrate my birthdays on a grand fashion, others send me treats,” said the usually taciturn Mr. G. who receives countless gifts and goodies from almost anyone under the sun.

“I don’t like to celebrate birthdays at this age either. A birthday means you are one year closer to the death. It is a time you should reflect and set goals rather than celebrate.” That was Ruwi, thinking ahead of time.

At this point Anu took up the guitar and began New Kids on the Block’s ‘Happy Birthday’, much to Shaz’s delight. A birthday cake appeared out of nowhere and soon the cake cutting ceremony is in full swing.

“Speaking of birthdays I remember one of our family friends threw a grand party for his young daughter. Believe it guys, the fellow got all his pals down but funnily the kid had only two for company.” Sachi said sipping his Mocha Tease - it tasted better than Amaretto Hot Chocolate, especially topped with sinful whipped cream.

“The worst thing is they bring liquor, drink to stupor and behave in a funny manner in front of children. A very bad example set on a kid’s birthday, methinks.” Ruwi said with a huff, yet enjoying her Mango Smoothie.

“And I have seen parents shake a champagne to toast their daughter’s 16th birthday. Come on, you can do any thing you wish but don’t spoil your kids’ special day for your own pleasure,” Demi joined in the V3 conversation.

Anu shifted the subject: “So Shaz, how was the blood donation?”

“I do it every four months. You can’t simply express how you feel after doing that. My blood group is B-Positive. Positive like me!” Shaz said with a wink before adding: “Isn’t it righteous to give life to someone in need on a day that you were born? I always believe in celebrating my birthday by giving a better life to others.”

All her workmates were silently absorbing her words. Shaz had actually struck a chord. Ruwi broached the subject at length.

“By the way Shaz, did you get my gardenias on Facebook?”

“Yes aney. Thank you. They are so cute. I really, really love them. I thanked all my friends who had sent me greetings and gifts, in my status update. But I hope to thank them personally,” Shaz said.

“Yeah, it can be a simple ‘happy birthday’, but they have taken pains to click on your page and greet you. I was moved when I got birthday greetings as e-cards, text messages and Facebook greetings,” Ruwi recalled.

“Exactly! Thanks to Facebook everybody knows when your birthday comes up. I do not care for gifts, but when they greet you, that counts for any gift,” Sachi said in a contemplative mood.

Darkness slowly descended on the backdrop. That was a reminder for the fly-by-night trio: Anu, Demi and Mr G, to get back to work and V3 to head home. The folks were happy and felt blessed to the hilt as the music faded into the air.

Happy birthday to you, this is your day.

On this day for you were gonna love you in every way.

This is your day, your day, happy birthday to you, to you.

This day is only for you, cause youre so special in every way,

Happy birthday to you!

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