The Diary Game | 50 Years of Togetherness | 03/01/2026

Haha, I can't share here those handwritten letters recounting favorite moments but I wish I could do so to evoke deep emotions. But no, that will be too personal, even what I am doing right now is what I have never done before.

"50 years: You've aged like fine wine but I like mine with tea, really? 😉🍷"

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I remember we headed to a nearby park for a mid day walk, I had with me my favorites pack of sweets Gazak echoing our local treats, and had tea from a local vendor.

I smile when I remember that first meeting which was not a stroll hand-in-hand, reminisce about 1976, then visited a local chat stall. I ordered famous Aaloo tikki on her suggestion but none of us ate that. Kids grown: We survived parenting with high-five, partner! ✋👨‍👩‍👧‍👦"

Today we did that again and went to Jain Temple for blessings, even if I don't go to temples noramally tying into its historic revolutionaries' spirit.

I wanted to end the day with candlelight dinner at a restaurant my favorite for years whenever in India that offers North Indian thalis but ended up having lunch.​

Our trips abroad: Window shopping, heart full. Priceless! 🛍️💖

I remember the day when I watched a movie with her for the first time in Dehradun but this year I did that two days ago at Rapid Cineplex to catch a feel-good vibe but to be frank the movie we watched was too noisy and action packed which I enjoyed but she cursed me for taking her there.

I would mention it here:

At family functions, we clapped loudest—cheesiest parents ever! 👏🧀

I bought a few gifts for her, not too costly but a kurta of her choice renewed vows and of course a promise for another 50 years together.

Year 2000

You see I wanted to end with stargazing from our rooftop, toasting with mocktails to enduring love also write a short travel-style story of my journey for her, channeling our blogging flair. But this evening is too foggy, no stars too cold.

These create lasting magic of pure celebration but I am no good at that and you all know that.

Back to the lunch, we started with a light appetizer, fresh tomato-basil soup of ripe tomatoes, drizzled with ghee, chopped green chilies, coriander, salt, and lemon squeeze for a inspired starter.

Then I ordered a simple creamy dal makhana, with black lentils, butter, cream, garlic, and mixed spices for richness evoking home comforts. Soft paneer cubes in tomato-onion gravy and roti. Simple food because none of us eats much.

Finally the lunch at local Pandit Dhaba and Restaurant ended and back home at 3 PM.​

She had cooked carrot halwa, which is grated carrots slow-fried in ghee with milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts, she warmed it and created a festive atmosphere.

We had a cup of spicy chai, no candles, or playing any music, but a simple reminisce over the deserts.

Now we are waiting for wedding day next year, promised forever 50 years and counting!

End of 1st diary post 2026

I invite @suboohi, @goodybest, @jyoti-theligh and @weisser-rabe