Neeraj, this song is made for us. Everything that you do, you do for me, you do with a smile, and you make it unforgettable. I heard this song for the first time, and I knew it was made for us - because all those qualities that it talks about in the song, I can see in you.

First - wishing you a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! May all the happiness in the world be showered upon you - may only good things happen to you - and may you continue to bring joy to all the people that surround you.

I have been thinking for quite some time to post this song, and I have been just waiting for the right occasion. Being sentimental is me, right? I can’t go without being sentimental..especially when my Neeraj is involved.

The little things that you do for me, our families, and our friends, just makes me wonder how one person can be so wonderful. Your thoughtfulness for each and every person around you makes me see God within you….just like the song says. You deserve the world’s best, and you know that I keep telling you that and try very hard to bring it to you (if you let me ).

I love celebrating your birthday every year because I get the a chance to get you something that normally you wouldn’t let me buy for yourself. This year, you must relax, and enjoy the time.

At this point, you just enjoy the song, if it is still playing - it might have ended , and just remember what a wonderful person you are, and how lucky I am have you in my life. You are my love…without you I am nothing. Love you dear!

Hindi - words of the song

naa kuch poocha… naa kuch maanga…tune dil se diya jo diya..
naa kuch bhoola… naa kuch tola….muskuraake diya jo diya..
tu hi dhoop..tu hi chaaya…tu hi apna paraya..
aur kuch naa jaanu..bas itna hi jaanu..

Rab Ne Bana Di…….Jodi

English translation

You didn’t say a word…you didn’t ask for anything…whatever you gave, you gave from your hear
You never forgot…you never measured (who gave who more)…you gave everything with a smile
You are the sun…you are the shade…you are mine
I don’t know anything…but just one thing

God has made our……pair

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

If you have not heard, there was a horrific terror attack in Mumbai last night (after 10pm IST) in the southern part of the city. Main terror stricken areas were: VT (CST) Railway Station, Metro Cinema, Cama Hospital, Taj Mahal Hotel (across from Gateway of India), Oberoi Trident Hotel, Ville Parle East, Leopold Cafe, and Nariman House. Other than Ville Parle East, all other terror struck areas are the posh places in South Mumbai.

As some may know, my grandmother’s home is in South Mumbai. We have spoken to them, and they are all fine. On the other point, my brother Suraj, was heading to Mumbai last night from Chicago. He was going via London, and my parents spoke to him and his friend Pratik, when they had reached London. Their flight was delayed from London to Mumbai as there was no flight crew ready to go to Mumbai. After a 2 hour delay, their flight finally took off.

My friends that had come during Neeraj and my wedding (Diane, Daniel, Beth, and Jillian), if you guys remember, we had gone to a place for breakfast before we had headed towards the Elephanta Caves. That place was Leopold Cafe in Colaba with my friends, Kunal and his wife, Bharti. That is the same restaurant where the terrorists came in yesterday and fired shots from their AK-47 rifles at innocent people.

Its very sad all that has happened, and it is high time that the Indian government take action. Stricter security controls need to be put into place in all major metro cities within India. The assault between the terrorists and the army/commandos are still going on right now at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi, and Nariman House. They need to get the situation in Mumbai in order and up the security in general in the city.

So far 101 people have been killed, and over 300 people injured.

I know that Mata Rani is going to be with Suraj and keep him safe throughout his trip. Right now I just want to hear him be with our extended family in Mumbai. I will keep you posted as the time goes by. He suppose to reach Mumbai at 12.30am IST (1pm Central US time today).

This year all the major metro cities (Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai) have been hit with bomb blasts. Mumbai’s blasts and continued terrorism has been really the worst so far. After 12+ hours, there are still multiple terrorists that are fighting against the Indian army/commandos in both hotels and Nariman House. They are in the process of destroying the major landmarks of South Mumbai by throwing grenades and reeking fire, the Taj Heritage Hotel.

May all the ones whose lives have been lost, may your soul rest in peace. May those who have been injured, recover quickly. Mumbaikars should follow police/govt orders to remain indoors in your homes. May all terrorists that done this horrific attack be caught ASAP - dead or alive.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

So finally the time is getting closer. The summer is ending…our class finally ended. Neeraj and I did really well - we both got an “A” in both of our summer classes. Now its time to party - go on vacation!! Yes, the family is going to Europe - and really, I can’t wait.

We have some great things planned while we are in Europe, and I really hope that everything goes well for us. We will be traveling alot and going through a lot of countries in a short time period. I hope that the famiy does not get tired throughout the 8 days that we will be in Europe.

Its been great watching the Olympics the past week. I have watched some great soccer, gymnastics, tennis, table tennis, swimming, diving, etc.. I think that Olympics is a great stage for athletes from all over the world to come to one place and show the spirit of the games. Its been really great to see China shine in so many different fields. Unfortunately its very disappointing to see my home country India, that has the next biggest population after China, did not have a very high level of participation in the various fields. The biggest problem that is in India is that not many sports are popularized. Many kids don’t think about becoming a swimmer or gymnast. Its usually just becoming a cricket player - that too only boys think about that.

I can’t believe we are almost halfway done with August. Time sometimes flies so quickly. Its going to go much faster for us as we finish the month with our trip that I mentioned above. Then we will be back for two months and then we will go to India. Then by the time we get back it will be halfway through November. Soon after it will be December. I can’t wait!!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

So I couldn’t believe it when I read on Times of India this evening that Ishmeet Singh had passed away. For those who don’t know who this is, Ishmeet is the first winner of the singing reality show Star Voice of India in 2007. He was a mere 19 years old when he became the winner of the show. He had a great voice - very sweet. I knew that he was going to go a long way, atleast I thought, when I saw him for the first time performing at the auditions for Star Voice of India.

Today is a day of good news! We received a letter from the USCIS, and Neeraj’s Green Card status has been automaticaly extended for one year. Neeraj will still have to go for a biometrics appointment, but atleast for the next one year he will have no troubles traveling and working. So now Europe here we come!

Also Kaush’s B has reached the USA safely…. congrats to the both of them on the new chapter in their life. May your life be always filled with happiness and love for each other. NP.com is very happy for you both.

This song dedicated to you…

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

Current Tune - Pehli Nazar Main - Race

Every day passes with a smile…..2 years have completed so quickly, I can hardly believe it. I love this day so much because there are so many great memories that joined with it. It is the day that Neeraj and I got married in Jaipur, then last year a day that we spent with Neeraj’s parents here in the USA, and this year a day that we will spend with my parents, Suraj, and friends.

Prior to getting married, Neeraj and my conversations always were around, “Hum log ko yeh karna hai….woh karna hai“. “We will do this after getting married, we will do that….” Its amazing how much we have done in the past two years….just like we had planned.

Neeraj, you are the most important person in my life today. You have always been there for me when I needed a suggestion, idea, thought, and you have always come through to solve my problem. You care so much about what I want, what should we do, what would be best for our life. I know that i try to do the same, but there is so much that I want to learn from you. May Mata Rani shower us with blessings on this special day.

I love you very much. Wishing you a very Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

If in case you have not heard, there were about 8 blasts in Jaipur yesterday evening Indian Standard Time.

Neeraj’s immediate brother (Manoj Bhaiya) and sister-in-law (Maya Bhabhi) live in Jaipur. When I heard the news at 10.45am yesterday after a voicemail from my mother, I called Neeraj to make sure he knew. He did, and he was already calling his eldest brother in Hindaun City to make sure Manoj Bhaiya and Maya Bhabhi are fine. The mobile phone line was cut off after the bomb blasts happened, so it was after an hour or so when we finally heard back.

The majority of Neeraj’s extended family also live in Jaipur. This also includes his eldest sister-in-law’s (Renu Bhabhi) family. They live & work in Chandhpol where one of the blasts occurred. They were also all fine.

My friends that went with me to India for Neeraj and my marriage may remember atleast one of the places quite well - Bapu Bazaar. They had the opportunity during that time to go around Jaipur with my family members, including Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.

Very tough time for the South Asian countries. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families that have lost a loved one in this horrific blast. The blasts did happen on bicycles and so far 12 have been detained that may be linked with the blasts.

Such things are awful when they happen - and we pray that we have peace on earth very soon.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

Current Tune - Maa - Taare Zameen Par

It was a wonderful weekend due to one person: Mumma. It was a special weekend for our family because it was my dear mother’s birthday and mother’s day. So today’s post dedicated to NP’s dear mothers.