Peeping out of window on a rainy-sunny day
Thinking about my birthday stories from the May.
Pulled a reverse gear and heard the chirping voices,
Revisiting the birthdays I had celebrated since childhood.

Couldn't see what it was like until I was sixteen
I remember that it was my sweetest 6teeen.
It was the day I danced out loud with my bestfriend,
It was the day my family partied for the double happiness.

Stuck at the sixteen and remembering my eighteen..
I could remember those new innocent faces..
Struggling to surprise me and stuck at places,
Called me up and I lightened up..
Embracing their love and the words turning into abuses.

Then was the time to step into adulthood
I had no idea how and what to do..
Juggling with choices and chances to take 
I had been a newbie adult and fading teen too.

Recalling the next birthday
I do remember some then new faces..
Who brought me a cake to celebrate my day                                                        And in my memory left their traces.                                                           Thinking on the side how life take turns
And new people come and make new places..

Hustling with the new opportunities ahead 
I turned 20 with my girl gang besides..
Surprise it was planned for me then,
And we lost our ways and walked for long..
It was all laugh and happy hours we had.. 
It was all the love I am grateful for, my heart just said.
And this birthday went longer than just one day!
It happened for the first time in my life, 
A bunch of friends together for my birthday to celebrate,
And cheers to the timings that we made to collaborate..
I had my second celebration with them all.
A little bit late I celebrated my third 20th birthday 
With the dear and long lost faces..
So much overwhelmed I was that year
In the pictures I still find their traces...

Next year after 20s , the responsibilities rose
As did my age..
But these lovely gestures of making me happy 
Stayed on page!

Moving on with my life 
Everyday I realize how change is the only constant,
But with each coming birthday
I could see how the love remains constant.
Had another wonderful year with my family and friends besides
Bonding over pasta and fighting over cake slice.

My recent birthday feels too fresh even now                                                Like it was just yesterday, I was in that happy spirit                               With the never missed 12am calls and the gifts                                               In the morning my friends gave a surprise visit                                         Then my girls overloaded me with their love and attention                         It wrapped up with cutting the cake my mom made with affection.

With each passing Birthday 
Even if I am growing older..
I am just thankful for everyone 
Who are staying and growing with me together.

- Nilisha.