Every year, on the eve of your birthday, I find myself here again—fingers on keys, heart refusing to sit still. It’s my favorite ritual, the one thing I never want to outgrow. You often ask me what I really want to do in life. Well, here’s the shocking truth: this. Writing you these letters. Everything else—screenplays, awards, even Everest—can politely wait their turn. Because all of them shrink next to you—you, the most beautiful contradiction I know.
You can silence a room with a single glance, then melt into tears over a stray cat licking a fish bone. Steel wrapped in silk—that’s you. And that mix—strength and softness—has a way of spilling into everything, even laughter, which you’ve turned into the rarest currency of our home.
Your dance moves, your one-liners, the way you make even silence ridiculous—if trophies were given for making me laugh, we’d have to rent a storage unit. Even Tuffin and his wife Hirafus would protest the unfairness. But if laughter is your gift, patience is your superpower—you’ve carried more than your share.
You put up with Kokko’s teenage thunderstorms, my YouTube binges, and my gold-medal snoring during the very movies you lovingly picked. But beyond the funny stuff lie the heavier flaws—the times I wasn’t present, the moments I should have listened, the lapses I wish I could take back. And still, you meet it all with a grace that doesn’t just humble me—it reminds me every day how deeply grateful I am to have you.
And that same quiet grace doesn’t just stay at home—it follows you into your CC days. Nerves before, brilliance after. The world sees strength; I see the heart it takes to show up, again and again.
And when you bring that same strength home, it turns into something else entirely—as a mother, you’re a force. Kokko is basically your twin with a teenage remix. Terrifying? Yes. A blessing? Absolutely. And somehow, on top of that, you still find space for your artistry—it’s magic.
You make your iPhone photography look like fine art and you even charm bougainvillea into blooming just by talking to them. If plants could vote, you’d be president by now. And your creativity doesn’t stop there—it spills into the kitchen too.
Your cooking? If nations wanted peace, they’d serve your chicken rice. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could have surprised you with it, especially last month when you lost your taste. But perhaps it’s better I didn’t—my version would’ve been memorable for all the wrong reasons—one spoon of that would’ve started a war.
But beyond the kitchen, there’s something even more powerful—your presence. People admire you not just for what you say but for the way you make them believe. Not by force, but simply by being you. That’s rare. And it’s exactly why you’ve been my muse from the very beginning.
The whole reason I returned to screenwriting was secretly trying to impress you. Even now, one remark from you can rewrite an entire film. At premieres, I walk proud—not because of the applause, but because you are beside me. And yes, you always steal the red carpet. I wouldn’t trade that theft for anything.
Through storms and sunshine, you’ve been my anchor, my muse, my Jessica, my SV, my gossip partner, my joy, my love. You’re not just the love of my life—you’re the life in my love.
So today, laugh, dance, and if a tear slips through, let it remind you of how completely, foolishly, and hopelessly I have always belonged to you.
Happy Birthday, my love. May your glow forever outshine every candle, every star, every dream I could never quite reach—but always wished I could place in your hands.
Your hopelessly devoted and sometimes hopelessly foolish husband.
Here we are again—you, another year older, a little wiser, and me, still utterly infatuated. Trying to express what you mean to me in words is always like capturing lightning in a bottle—impossible.
This year, I’ve put together a list. It’s a little ridiculous, maybe, but it’s my attempt to comprehend the shades of fabulous that make you, you. As you read through, know my love for you isn’t fleeting. It’s a steadfast commitment, etched in time, that will endure for all eternity.
1. Your Patience: You stand by me even at my worst, like during those tense moments in TTH.
2. Your Endurance: You were my shield when you fiercely defended me during my ICU recovery.
3. Your Nurturing Spirit: You care for Kokko with such love, ensuring he grows up with your values. You greet your bougainvillea plants every morning as if they were your children.
4. Your Humor: Your one-liners and quirky dances, especially when you channel your inner Kuda Mooni, always brighten my day.
5. Your Wisdom: Your insightful advice on my screenplays and life decisions proves you have a PhD in Common Sense. Whenever one of my films comes out, like the recently released “Kamanaa,” the principal cast and crew hold their breath. They await your verdict as if it were the Oscars.
6. Your Resilience: You bounce back faster than a rubber band in a slingshot—always finding your way, no matter the odds.
7. Your Creativity: Whether turning leftovers into gourmet meals or designing stunning visuals with Canva, you’re the Van Gogh of everyday life.
8. Your Compassion: Whether it’s crying over a needy child, caring for my father in his final moments, the tenderness you show towards your own parents, or feeding Tuffin, the stray cat who now trusts you and comes running for his can of tuna—your heart is an endless well of kindness.
Reflecting on these qualities, I am reminded how your unyielding strength keeps us grounded even when the world feels heavy, and your infectious laughter lightens the load effortlessly. And in moments of faltering, your unwavering love lifts me up.
9. Your Intelligence: You navigate life’s complexities with a clarity that amazes me.
10. Your Generosity: Not just in material things but in the time and warmth you give everyone around you.
11. Your Spirit: You live enthusiastically, making our most straightforward adventures feel grand.
12. Your Dedication: You are firm in your dedication to our family, Kokko, and every task you undertake.
13. Your Support: You are my anchor when I’m stressed or down, like during the lockdown.
14. Your Love: Unwavering, unconditional, and the glue that holds us together.
15. Your Leadership: You inspire with grace and determination, whether at work or within our family.
16. Your Playfulness: Even mundane tasks become fun when you’re around, like turning bed-making into a game.
17. Your Courage: From facing weekly fears like CC to pulling us to safety during the Asian Tsunami in Patong, you are a warrior.
You’ve faced every storm with courage that leaves me in awe. I remember that day in Patong when you grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the beach. Your instinct saved us, and in that moment, I realized that you are my home—my safe harbor in every storm.
18. Your Honesty: You’re brutally honest, especially about my questionable fashion choices or half-baked screenplays.
19. Your Faith: Your spiritual strength is a steady beacon in our lives.
20. Your Independence: You stand firm as your own person while still being the center of our world.
21. Your Beauty: Inside and out, you’re so stunning that even the mirror must be your biggest fan. You are always my Jessica and SV’s twin sister.
22. Your Adaptability: You always find a way to thrive no matter the situation.
23. Your Wit: Your quick humor never fails to make me smile.
24. Your Grace: You carry yourself elegantly, even in adversity.
25. Your Cooking: Every dish you prepare is seasoned with love, turning meals into feasts. Does making juice ‘petty’ with a twist count?
26. Your Sense of Style: Everything you touch—fashion, home décor—becomes more beautiful.
27. Your Innovativeness: Projects like Currycrab showcase your ability to dream big and follow through.
28. Your Love for Adventure: Every trip, every new experience with you, is a joy.
Yes, life with you is an adventure. Whether we’re wandering the streets of Bangkok, diving into new ventures, or simply holding hands on a quiet walk, you make every moment unforgettable.
29. Your Dependability: I can count on you, no matter what we face.
30. Your Forgiveness: You forgive and move forward with grace and strength. For example, when I brought home soft-shell crab instead of cut crab, you handled it like a saint who knows her husband’s limits at the seafood counter.
31. Your Warmth: Our home is filled with love because of you.
32. Your Determination: When you set your mind to something, even the universe steps aside. Whether helping your father with his business or bravely pursuing your dreams, you keep trying without fear of failure.
33. Your Sincerity: Everything you do is done with genuine care and authenticity.
34. Your Optimism: You find the silver lining in every situation.
35. Your Strategic Thinking: Your ability to plan ahead keeps us steady.
36. Your Attention to Detail: Whether planning a trip or setting up a surprise, you ensure everything is perfect.
37. Your Calm Under Pressure: In every crisis, you are the steady hand that guides us.
38. Your Empathy: Your deep understanding and care for others, especially in tough times, is unmatched.
39. Your Versatility: You seamlessly handle multiple roles and responsibilities.
40. Your Passion: For life, love, and everything that makes our world as it is.
41. Your Sense of Justice: You always stand up for what’s right.
42. Your Integrity: You never compromise on your values.
43. Your Kindness: The gentle way you treat everyone, including animals and plants.
44. Your Problem-Solving Skills: You navigate life’s challenges with grace.
45. Your Curiosity: Your constant desire to learn keeps life exciting. Whether diving into the secrets of a long and happy life with “Ikigai,” binge-watching documentaries about gut health, or following Dr. Barbara’s advice on Batana oil to “stimulate hair growth,” your mind is constantly exploring new horizons. And while I’m still waiting for that magical forest of hair to sprout on my ever-thinning scalp, I appreciate how you always keep me in the loop—mostly about things I didn’t know I needed to know, including injecting poop! Eww!
46. Your Emotional Intelligence: You understand not only your emotions but those of others, helping navigate complex situations.
47. Your Spontaneity: Your ability to break routines and surprise us with unexpected joy keeps life fresh.
48. Your Creative Chaos: You’ve mastered turning my “neat” wardrobe arrangements back into your own version of perfect chaos.
49. Your Observational Skills: You notice the little things, making those around you feel seen and heard.
50. Your Forever-ness: With you, my love, forever is just the beginning.
Words fail me as I try to capture all that you mean to me. You’re not just my wife; you’re my compass, my sanctuary, and the rhythm that steadies my heartbeat. You’ve brought more joy and warmth into my life than I ever thought possible, standing by me in moments of triumph and holding me closer in times of failure.
If I had to live this life a thousand times over, I’d choose you every single time—even if it meant enduring your fiery lectures about not sitting on the toilet seat for hours or tolerating my constant YouTube marathons. I may not always find the perfect words, but know this: I’ll spend every breath trying, every day showing, and every night dreaming of ways to make you laugh, see you smile, and keep your heart light.
Here’s to you, my incredible, beautiful wife—the woman who turned my life into the most extraordinary screenplay I could have ever written. Without you, I’m just a guy with a laptop, struggling with a terrible first draft. With you, I’ve found the only story worth telling. And yes, I’d lose at Scrabble every time just to see you smile, because your happiness is the only prize I ever want to win.
My dad was a man of simplicity and discipline, shaped by over three decades of military service. That discipline wasn’t just a part of his routine; it was who he was, woven into every fiber of his being. If he had to be somewhere, like a hospital for tests or leaving for a trip at 7:00 AM, you could count on him being ready by 6:00 AM sharp, dressed and prepared, as if he were about to march into the most important mission of his life. I’ve inherited that trait, though in a more relaxed form—if I need to be somewhere by 7:00 AM, I’m ready by 6:01 AM. It’s a small nod to the way he lived his life, always a step ahead, always prepared.
He held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, a deep, quiet love that revealed itself in small, tender gestures. I can still picture those afternoons when he would sit patiently, his fist clenched, waiting for my son, Taqi, to come home from school. The anticipation in his eyes was unmistakable, a mix of excitement and affection. The moment Taqi walked through the door, my dad would call him over, that same clenched fist now outstretched toward him. Taqi, with his curious and trusting nature, would reach out and hold that hand. And when my dad finally opened his fist, there it was—a rolled-up five Rufiya note, a small gift, but one that carried so much meaning for him.
For my dad, giving Taqi, or any of his grandchildren, that little bit of money wasn’t just about the money itself. It was his way of showing love, of feeling connected to his grandchildren in a way that words couldn’t capture. The smile that would light up his face as he handed over that small gift was priceless, a glimpse into the deep joy he found in these simple acts of kindness. And Taqi, being the generous soul that he is, would thank him for that money, never holding onto it too tightly, just as my dad would have wanted. It’s a memory I hold close, a reminder of the quiet, profound ways my dad expressed his love.
I feel blessed and thrilled to be
celebrating another memorable year of your life.
Regardless of what age you have turned, your inner and outer self remain intact. But every now and then, you are anxious about your eyesight, your skin and your wrinkles. On second thought, who isn’t? But worry not. ISA, you are beautiful, loving, tender, caring and intelligent. By the way, those are just a few of your traits. If I must list all of them, I might run out of space here and end up with blisters on my fingertips. And yes, you will always be my Jessica. Purr!
Simply put, I couldn’t be prouder
to be your husband. There is no greater happiness for me in this world than to
have you in my life. And then there is Kokko. Together, you both complete me.
I have lived all the beautiful moments of my life with you. Our courtship, getting trapped in a room, us getting married, the day you conceived, your entire pregnancy, your delivery, parenting Kokko, your graduation and the exhausting adventure we had finding your phone some three days ago is some of the best memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever. Even all the problems, difficulties and tragedies we faced from the tsunami to your depression when you were unjustly fired and to my botched-up colonoscopy have helped us to be better and stronger. And most importantly, we value each other with the utmost care and respect.
We were utterly clueless of our destiny even though all your life you frequented to my house, and we crossed our path million times. But look at us today, it seems as if fate was written for us. I am confident with all my heart that ISA our love will last, and we will be together forever. You and Kokko are in my prayers every day.
Kokko fills our hearts with joy and happiness. He is more like you possessing your sense of humour and sincerity. But I am happy if he has my adorable cheeks. I also feel contented seeing that you are such a wonderful mother who takes good care of him and continues to do so day in, day out. You provide him with your undying love, affection and heart.
Thank you very much for making me who I am today. Thank you for sprucing me up. Your love, caring, and affection keep inspiring me.
Thank you for helping me when I am
not in my best of moods. Your wittiness never fails to leave me in stitches,
especially when you dance an Oryantal or the Bharatanatyam. I am already
cracking up. Thank you for making me see how beautiful our life is.
I am glad you have this newfound admiration for the diarist, late AH. May his soul rest in peace. Even I have been reading some of his excerpts secretly and find his writing very inspirational and amusing. Thank you for obtaining almost all his digests.
We still love riding over the
bridge even though we feel our heads falling off from our shoulders at the end
of our spin. Yes, the helmets have robbed the maximum experience we previously
enjoyed. But we keep communicating to and from HulhuMale’ like astronauts on a
motorbike.
We’ve been quite the opposite of what we do. You love all the contemporary music while I am still in the 80s. When you watch an exciting movie, I am catching a few zees. While you are funny and open-minded, I am closed and an introvert. But we are low on tension and more on the fun. Now I wholeheartedly believe in the saying that opposite does attract.
It’s inevitable that with time, we
will grow old and wrinkly. But all that is trivial to me. What really matters
is that we are together and with you today is better than yesterday. I wish and
pray that our love keeps getting stronger with each passing day. I give you my
unconditional love and the rest of my life and eternity with you.
Mahdi Ahmed 