The moment the cake is brought out and set on the centre table, and I'm all set to chop through it so that the eager kid cousin can go ahead and skip lunch, much to his mom's angst, someone will bring up the question: 'So how old are you today?' presumptuously to make sure they don't mess up the ensuing Happy Birthday song. And after the quick mental math (2010-1982 = 28) the age will be declared amidst surprised oooohs and aaaahs (I refuse to believe that those who do let out those ooohs and aaahs do so genuinely... of course you know how old I am... you guys were around when I was born, weren't you???) And then Mommy-dearest will say: Tu kitti badi ho gayi hai! (hahahahaha...she says that every, single year and it has nothing to do with the increasing complaints of the weighing machine (but I think I've started paying more attention only after I turned 25, do not ask why...I know not myself)).
For once, I guess I'll be (semi) agreeing with Mom . At least two more people have recently said things indicating a similar meaning. A former colleague mentioned how my GTalk status message -- reminder to self: being enthusiastic about work ALWAYS misfires!-- which more or less always is a clear indicator of the current state of mind, is "sooooooo true." She also added that I'm "soooooo cute" ... I'd be a blatant liar if I didn't agree :P. Anyway, the fact that a respected former colleague thinks that I've finally figured out a basic rule of making it through as a journalist is quite a compliment! I'd like to take it as an indication of the Main kitti badi ho gayi hoon phenomenon :)
And then yesterday, after several frustrating minutes spent trying to make a story, that was increasingly turning supremely superficial (despite my best efforts, I swear), acquire some sense of scrupulousness, while trying to maintain my cool (believe me I congratulated myself on making it without loosing it inappropriately), another much-respected mentor said "you've grown up" (No, he does not make fun of my weight either :P). That was pretty direct, much like Mom.
So, two days before my birthday (which might yet again be spent at a friend's wedding, twice in a row that is now!) I've good reason to believe that I'm not gonna make a very bad 28-year old.
PS: The above-mentioned guys, of course, have no clue about my secret fantasy of turning into a Rockstar and sharing stage with Steve Tyler singing Craaaaaaaaaaaazy!!!
