My first baby

My First Baby Today is my niece Ritika’s birthday. She has always held such a special place in my heart. From the time she was born, I used to say she was my “first baby.” I spent countless hours with her, and the bond we share has always been something truly unique and precious. This, however, was often a point of contention with Sana. She would roll her eyes whenever I referred to Ritika as my first baby. Sana was gentle, kind, and forgiving in most aspects of life, but this topic always sparked a different kind of reaction in her. She wanted to be my one and only, and I think that was her way of showing how deeply she loved me. Her last trip was to Italy with Ritika. That trip was different—Sana was very clear that she wanted to go without me. In the past, Italy was always our place, a destination we shared together. But this time, she insisted she wanted to experience it with Ritika alone. She was adamant, and I stepped back, though it stung a little at the time. Looking back now, I can see how much that trip meant to her. She enjoyed herself, connected deeply with everyone she met, and built an especially strong bond with Ritika. It feels almost as if she had a list of experiences she wanted to fulfill, and this trip was one of the most important ones to her. I never imagined that it would be her last trip. But perhaps there is some comfort in knowing that she spent it doing what she loved—traveling, laughing, bonding, and cherishing the people dearest to her. And today, as I celebrate Ritika’s birthday, I feel both the sweetness of our bond and the echoes of Sana’s presence. In some way, Sana gifted Ritika and me something lasting through that trip—a reminder of love that continues to ripple through our lives, even in her absence.