Satya

I am Satya. Satya means ‘the Truth’. I was born on February 29, 1988. My mother says she was happy she gave birth to a son. I speak the truth, the truth and only the truth. Not that I’m a liar.

When I was four, my family celebrated my birthday. Gifts, cake, new clothes made me happy. The next year did not bring my birthday. Mother said with a smile, “You are a Leaper. You birthday comes once in every four years”.

My friends celebrated their birthday every year with birthday cakes and lots and lots of gifts. I love the strawberry flavour, but have to wait for the leap year.

Now I’m in college. When I think of my birthday, sometimes I kick my pet Alsatian Jimmy on the belly, knowing very well his cruel snarl can land up in a bite and I have to be at the doctor’s clinic to get the prick to stay off from rabies.

My little sister Reema is the lucky one. Mom spends time in the kitchen preparing mouthwatering dishes on her birthday, and the gifts… I envy her. At the end of the day as I lie down in my bed I tell myself. “I hate you Reema”.

At times I wonder, “How do people born on 29 Feb. calculate their age?” This year my friends have promised to bake a cake for me. Mind you I’ll be celebrating my fifth birthday this year”.

“How old am I?”

I curse the calendar.

As I lean back think, - "When I was younger, it was all the rage to be terribly silly and I think it's happening again now..."

A naughty smile crosses my face as I tell me “I’m special”.